South Korea’s Honam Semiconductor Panel Faces Scrutiny Over Lack of Industry Experts
Lawmakers in the National Assembly have raised concerns that the government body responsible for reviewing financial support for the Honam semiconductor cluster project, which is set to receive 6 trillion won, or approximately $4.46 billion, through 2030, has no semiconductor experts among its indus
National Assembly lawmakers have expressed concerns over the Honam Semiconductor Cluster project's review committee, which lacks semiconductor experts among its private members. The committee is tasked with assessing financial support for the project, which will receive 6 trillion won, or approximately $4.46 billion, by 2030. Critics argue that the appointments, including a dessert café owner and a former orthopedic surgeon, are inappropriate for a strategic industry.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy acknowledged plans to add more experts to the committee, responding to criticism from Representative Cho Ji-yeon, who questioned the qualifications of the current members. The committee, comprising 19 government and 16 private members, reviews development plans and financial support for the integrated special city, encompassing sectors beyond semiconductors like K-food and biohealth.
The government has faced scrutiny over the appointment process, with multiple committees expressing concerns about the lack of semiconductor expertise among the private members. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Prime Minister's Office have said they will address the issue, with plans to strengthen the committee's expertise following the controversy.
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