Will the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster Survive? Candidate Hyun Geun-taek’s Bold Promise Explained

Hyun Geun-taek, the Democratic Party candidate for mayor of Yongin, held an emergency press conference on the 26th, emphatically rejecting recent talk of relocating the Yongin semiconductor cluster.

At the press conference, Hyun said, “The relocation rumors irresponsibly raised during the recent campaign are increasing anxiety and concern among Yongin residents.” He added, “The Yongin semiconductor cluster project is a national strategic initiative tied to South Korea’s future, not just Yongin’s, and it cannot be subject to compromise.”

He pledged, “If elected mayor, I, Hyun Geun-taek, will stake my office to defend the original plan.” He also warned that if the Samsung Electronics semiconductor fab planned for the national industrial complex were moved to another region, he would take responsibility and resign, saying he is prepared to put everything on the line to protect the Yongin semiconductor cluster.

Hyun said he would form a unified “one-team” with the central government, Gyeonggi Province, and the National Assembly as a strong ruling-party mayor who best understands and can implement President Lee Jae-myung’s policy vision. He added that he would immediately launch the Yongin Semiconductor Public-Private-Government Council upon taking office.

In the Q&A, when asked whether he intended to meet President Lee Jae-myung over concerns that the semiconductor cluster could be derailed, Hyun replied, “This should first be addressed with the relevant government ministries and LH (Korea Land & Housing Corporation). But if it cannot be resolved there, I will of course meet with President Lee.”

Hyun used the press conference to make defending the cluster’s original plan a central campaign issue, moving to quash relocation rumors and stabilize local sentiment.