The Democratic Party of Korea visited the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus to hear about the current state of the semiconductor industry and discuss ways to advance it. The party stressed it would concentrate its capabilities to create a "world No. 1 semiconductor nation," including handling the special act on semiconductors designated for the fast track in the regular National Assembly session.
Democratic Party leader Jeong Cheong-rae visited the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus in Gyeonggi on the afternoon of the 10th and met with officials from Samsung Electronics' Device Solutions (DS) institutional sector. From the Democratic Party, Supreme Council members Lee Eon-ju and Seo Sam-seok, Policy Committee Chair Han Jeong-ae, Rep. Kim Won-i, and Rep. Kim Ju-young attended, among others.
Jeong wrote in the Samsung Electronics Pyeongtaek Campus guestbook, "We support Samsung's world No. 1 semiconductors." Afterward, Democratic Party lawmakers and Samsung Electronics executives and employees chanted together, "Samsung semiconductors! Fighting!" and took a commemorative photo.
Jeong said, "It's my first time here, and I was truly surprised. There is a whole city inside here (the Pyeongtaek Campus). There are many people, it's vibrant, and it really feels like Samsung," adding, "I hope this occasion becomes a practical legislative opportunity for the development of South Korea's semiconductor industry and a chance for us to help."
There was also a show of intent to pass the special act on semiconductors that supports corporations' infrastructure building and research and development (R&D). The special act on semiconductors was designated for the fast track in Apr. after debate between the ruling and opposition parties over the "white-collar exemption (exempting high-income R&D positions from the 52-hour workweek)," led by the Democratic Party. Under the National Assembly Act, the special act on semiconductors is set to be automatically referred to the Legislation and Judiciary Committee next month.
Jeong said, "The semiconductor industry now faces major challenges. Trade uncertainties are growing, and latecomers' technological catch-up is intensifying," adding, "We will concentrate the party's capabilities to build a world No. 1 semiconductor nation. We will create the special act on semiconductors to back it up."
However, the exemption from the 52-hour workweek that the industry has requested so far does not appear to have been discussed that day. Since the Minister of Employment and Labor revised the notice to extend the period for special overtime from three months to six months, it means an exemption from the 52-hour workweek for the semiconductor industry will not be considered.
After the roundtable, Democratic Party Spokesperson Kwon Hyang-yeop met with reporters and said, "If the special act on semiconductors is designated for the fast track in the regular National Assembly session, we will do our best so it can be discussed and handled immediately in the standing committee," adding, "There was a request that, like the United States and China, support at the national level proceed in a way that can be competitive, and that unnecessary regulations be innovated."
She continued, "(Regarding the 52-hour regulation,) the Minister's notice relaxed special overtime from three months to six months. When special work is applied for on-site, there is no difficulty with permits and approvals," emphasizing, "We will actively support and back Samsung's semiconductors so they can be competitive."