Lee Directly Criticizes Opposition: "'Why Are We Excluded from the Mega Projects?' Then Suddenly 'It's a Scam'?"

Attends "Mega Project Public-Private Joint Inspection Meeting" at the Blue House
Strongly rebuts opposition criticism of "Honam bias" and "political event"
"If it's possible, point out the imbalance; if it's impossible, call it a scam... Pick on

On July 6, President Lee Jae-myung directly addressed the opposition’s contradictory criticisms regarding the "Three Major Mega Projects for Korea’s Grand Leap Forward," telling them to "choose just one position." He pointed out the inconsistency in raising concerns over large-scale regional investment plans—on one hand criticizing the inclusion of only certain regions, while on the other attacking the plan as a "fraud," "impossible," or "just for show."

President Lee Jae-myung is speaking at the Mega Project Public-Private Joint Inspection Meeting held at the Blue House on the 6th. July 6, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News

At the "Mega Project Public-Private Joint Inspection Meeting" held at the Blue House that morning, President Lee stated, "They protest on the assumption that this (the mega project) is a real and viable initiative, asking, 'Why is it only going in one direction?' or 'Why have we been left out?' Yet, with the same voice, they claim, 'It’s a fraud,' 'It’s impossible,' 'It’s just an event.'"

President Lee continued, "If you believe it’s feasible, then you should stick to one argument. If you’re asserting balance based on the assumption that this is possible and actually happening, you shouldn’t then turn around and claim it’s a deception or merely an event on the assumption that it’s impossible." He added, "Is it appropriate for public officials who are entrusted with managing the nation’s affairs to behave this way? Please, stick to one position. Choose one of the two."

He further said, "I would prefer if you would either criticize on the assumption that it is impossible, or point out imbalances on the assumption that it is possible—just pick one. I hope you will not interfere in this manner." He added, "We are trying to create new opportunities for Korea and for struggling young people, so even if you cannot fully cooperate, I hope you will at least refrain from hindering us."

President Lee’s remarks were aimed at the recent offensive led by the People Power Party. The opposition has raised concerns over the three mega projects announced on June 29, particularly criticizing the investment in semiconductor and AI data centers in the Honam region as excessive and arguing that the project is regionally biased. The opposition also raised issues of exclusion for certain regions and questioned whether the site selection process was sufficiently verified. Additionally, they criticized the government’s approach to announcing large-scale investment plans by major corporations such as Samsung and SK, labeling it "state-controlled economy" and "arm-twisting of corporations." Some members of the People Power Party even called for a parliamentary investigation, arguing that the initiative was "ill-prepared and rushed," and claimed it was a political event aimed at recovering approval ratings.

During the meeting, President Lee repeatedly emphasized that the three mega projects are not just political events. He stated, "This is a historic turning point for balanced national territorial development in Korea," and urged, "I hope everyone will unite their efforts for this new beginning." He added, "The government will do everything possible. Given the significant excess tax revenue generated in the semiconductor industry, we will provide all necessary support, including fiscal support."

The meeting did not stop at rebutting the opposition but focused on accelerating project implementation. President Lee said, "A completely new future is being prepared globally, centered on artificial intelligence," diagnosing the situation as "an all-out competition on which the nation’s fate depends." He stressed, "It will be decided by who claims the lead first, who moves faster. Only speed matters."

President Lee instructed the central government to proactively resolve any anticipated obstacles so that companies can focus solely on investment and on-site work. He specifically called for measures to prevent investment execution delays due to administrative procedures, including shortening the period for environmental impact assessments, pursuing permitting processes in parallel, commencing land acquisition and expropriation procedures simultaneously, and securing power and water infrastructure in advance.

President Lee Jae-myung is entering the public-private joint inspection meeting for the mega project held at the Blue House on July 6, 2026. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Meanwhile, at this first meeting, President Lee ordered the establishment of the project implementation system and called for the selection of semiconductor plant sites to be discussed and finalized. He also issued more direct instructions to businesses. President Lee said, "We need to prepare to quickly implement the project, identifying who will take on which role and how." He continued, "One of the immediate tasks is to determine exactly where the project will be carried out. I hope we can discuss site selection today. While there may be some general expectations, it must be finalized."

He further requested that companies "specifically state what you need," adding, "Don’t beat around the bush or speak in vague terms—be direct. Tell us what, how, and how much you need." He told the relevant ministries, "You must clearly present support measures and implementation schedules. Vague answers are absolutely unacceptable. Clarity is necessary for speed."

A separate dedicated task force under the direct control of the president will also be established to oversee the project. President Lee stated, "A team dedicated to the mega projects will be formed within the Blue House as soon as possible," and added, "We will closely manage the project through additional meetings in conjunction with the Special Committee on Strengthening Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness, which will be launched in August with the implementation of the Semiconductor Act."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.