On July 6, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung directed government officials on Monday to hasten the implementation of significant chip and artificial intelligence (AI) projects that were unveiled the previous week. He cautioned that any hold-ups in obtaining permits, acquiring land, and ensuring reliable electricity and water services could jeopardize South Korea's preeminent standing in cutting-edge industries. At a governmental gathering, President Lee underscored, "The key is speed; the first to act swiftly will secure the competitive edge." Citing the Yongin Industrial Complex as a case in point, he observed that the six-year span from site selection to the start of construction was comparatively rapid. President Lee insisted on a departure from the conventional sequential method, advocating instead for simultaneous advancement, and pressed for a reduction in the time required for environmental assessment approvals. He specifically pointed out that a stable power supply is of utmost importance for chip projects, mentioning that despite the growth in renewable energy sources, businesses are still worried about the capacity for consistent power supply. Therefore, he urged officials to tackle these challenges proactively.
