Environmental Groups Urge Samsung Project Cancellation

On August 20, environmental groups rallied outside Samsung Electronics' headquarters in Seoul to protest the construction of a massive semiconductor industrial complex. Approximately 80 officials from across the nation attended the press conference to demand the complete cancellation of the project. Critics argue that while Samsung reaps substantial profits, the burden of securing resources and building facilities is shouldered by local communities.

Song Sung-young, the representative of the Gyeonggi Civil Society Organization Solidarity Conference, highlighted the plight of residents who must sacrifice water, electricity, and livelihoods for the sake of Samsung's business. She stressed that residents' lives should not be sacrificed under the guise of promoting the semiconductor industry's competitiveness.

Representative Kwon Young-ghuk from the Justice Party joined activists from Haenam, South Jeolla Province, who have been advocating against the project since the end of July by walking along transmission lines nationwide. These activists have collected signatures from 10,000 citizens opposing the project and delivered them to the Seoul High Court, urging a judicial ruling against the plan.

Currently, a lawsuit challenging the project's approval is ongoing, focusing on its failure to address the climate crisis. Filed by environmental group Solutions for Our Climate, the lawsuit initially resulted in a loss in January, but the group is now appealing the project's legitimacy through an appeal.