MOTIE Minister Unaware of $41 Million in Gwangju Air Base Projects, Raising Risks for Honam Chip Cluster
Controversy is mounting over the feasibility of the government’s plan to develop a semiconductor cluster in the Honam region, as U.S. military facility construction projects worth approximately 58 billion won ($41.81 million) are underway at Gwangju Air Base, which the government plans to clear for
A controversy has arisen surrounding the Honam semiconductor cluster project, as U.S. military facility construction worth about $41.81 million is underway at Gwangju Air Base. The government aims to relocate the base by 2028 for the project's development. During a committee audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy on October 22, Rep. Seo Ji-young questioned MOTIE Minister Kim Jung-kwan about his awareness of the ongoing U.S. military facility construction.
Kim admitted he was unaware of the information, revealing potential oversight gaps. Seo sharply criticized the construction, deeming it a waste of public funds and a risk to the semiconductor project. Three major projects, totaling approximately $43.96 million, are currently underway at Gwangju Air Base, including an aviation fuel supply facility, engineering storage renovations, and repairs to water tanks.
The largest project involves modifying fuel tanks and installing new facilities. Despite the government's plans to temporarily relocate military operations from Gwangju Air Base to other locations, the ongoing construction has raised doubts about the feasibility of the relocation timeline. The Democratic Party of Korea urges faster relocation, even if laws must change, while the People Power Party warns against rushing the process due to potential security gaps and resident opposition.
The Ministry of National Defense maintains the process is progressing without disruption, but unresolved issues, such as ongoing construction and U.S.-South Korea consultations, cast doubt on the relocation's progress.
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