Kang Hoon-sik calls semiconductor mega-project investments 'first steps' toward regional growth

Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik on Monday described the three semiconductor mega-projects announced jointly by the government and private sector as "a full-fledged first step toward opening an era in which the regions become a new engine of economic growth, breaking free from the imbalanced, Greater Seoul-centered development model."

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong conveyed Kang's remarks in a written briefing, saying Cheong Wa Dae held a senior secretary meeting Monday afternoon chaired by Kang.

"Companies have staked everything on a decision for the future of South Korea in an era of fierce global competition," Kang said. "The government must answer their bold challenge."

Kang also warned that South Korea's future could not be guaranteed if administrative procedures — including permits and approvals — remained buried under piles of paperwork while global companies were making split-second decisions to seize future markets.

"We have introduced fast-track mechanisms into the permitting system, but going forward we need even swifter administration — swift enough that companies feel it is 'super-fast,'" he said, calling on all ministries, not just those handling permits, to work together to make "genuinely proactive administration" a reality.

Kang raised his voice, saying South Korea's great transformation could not be achieved by any single actor alone. "The people, businesses, the central government and local governments must become one team and create harmonious results under a single score — a great national leap forward," he said.