Kim Sang-hoon, chairman of the policy committee of the People Power Party, criticized Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party, on the 21st for his meeting with Lee Jae-yong, chairman of Samsung Electronics, calling it a "corporation-provoking behavior." He noted that although there was encouragement for enhancing corporate competitiveness, the Democratic Party was actually pursuing legislation and policies that "impede corporations."
Chairman Kim pointed out during a parliamentary strategy meeting held that day, "The Democratic Party's visit to Samsung Electronics seems to be more about provoking corporations rather than increasing corporate competitiveness."
Earlier, on the 20th, Representative Lee visited the Seoul campus of the Samsung Youth Software Academy (SSAFY) to meet with Chairman Lee. There were evaluations that this was an early presidential election move aimed at highlighting a pro-corporation image. Representative Lee also stated to Chairman Lee that "in a world where global competition is intensifying, it is really important to enhance the international competitiveness of large corporations."
Chairman Kim remarked, "What do you think the corporate leaders were thinking when they heard these words? It's shocking that the Democratic Party, which is enacting legislation that hinders corporations rather than enhancing their international competitiveness, brazenly talks about corporate competitiveness."
He further pointed out that the Democratic Party rejected the 'allowance for exceptions to the 52-hour workweek for research and development personnel' demanded by the semiconductor industry and forced the passage of a 'commercial law amendment' that could increase management burdens for corporations due to rampant lawsuits.
Additionally, he added, "In easing inheritance tax, the Democratic Party has disguised the realistic issue raised by corporations that it is difficult to succeed businesses due to excessive inheritance tax as a tax cut for the wealthy. They also rejected the government's proposal to abolish the 'largest shareholder premium system,' which has punitive characteristics that inflate stock prices by 20% during the inheritance of shares by major shareholders. Furthermore, the Democratic Party has reintroduced the yellow envelope law, which virtually tolerates illegal strikes by labor unions."
He urged, "Do not annoy businesses that value every second with hypocritical actions. To enhance actual corporate competitiveness, the semiconductor special law should be passed in its original form, the inheritance and gift taxes should be eased, and the commercial law amendment and yellow envelope law that stifle corporate activities should be abolished."
Meanwhile, the People Power Party stated its policy to work on government support, including tax benefits, to restore competitiveness in the domestic shipbuilding industry. Chairman Kim said, "K-shipbuilding has gained a reputation, but the initiative in the global market has fallen to China," and added, "We must deeply consider how to protect the shipbuilding industry even now. The shipbuilding industry is the backbone of national defense beyond industry. The People Power Party will do its best in providing policy support to resolve the labor shortage in the shipbuilding sector and restore its competitiveness."
Earlier, on the 6th of the previous month, the ruling party collected industry suggestions regarding ▲ designation of national strategic technologies under the Tax Special Treatment Limitation Act ▲ prompt enactment of special laws to support the next-generation shipbuilding industry ▲ establishment of safety certification standards and regulatory improvements in line with new technology development ▲ tax benefits for the original deposit amount of the hope deduction program for those working in the shipbuilding industry ▲ need for government support for the development of eco-friendly ships.