Government to Launch 'Semiconductor Innovation Support Team' Next Month, Accelerating Mega-Project Push

The government is moving quickly to build an execution system for its semiconductor mega-project. After Cheong Wa Dae signaled a strong push for the initiative, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) will also form a Semiconductor Innovation Support Team in August, when the Special Act on Semiconductors takes effect. The team will operate as a dedicated unit within MOTIE, tasked with carrying out the mega-project's core strategy, known as '3S+1F,' and closely supporting companies facing on-site difficulties.
According to MOTIE on the 7th, the support team will be newly established within the ministry in line with the enforcement of the Special Act on Semiconductors. It will closely manage various obstacles that arise during corporate investment and help coordinate with related ministries and resolve pending issues. The team will also support infrastructure development, regulatory improvements, and other matters tied to corporate assistance during the project rollout.
A MOTIE official said, "We plan to launch the support team in August, in line with the enforcement of the Special Act on Semiconductors, and will push ahead with the mega-project's key tasks without disruption."
Under the Special Act on Semiconductors, the government plans to establish a national support framework centered on the presidential Special Committee on Strengthening Semiconductor Competitiveness, the semiconductor czar to be handled by the MOTIE minister, and the support team. The special committee will oversee policy direction and major issues, while the semiconductor czar will coordinate overall policy and the support team will handle field implementation and corporate support.
A fiscal support system will also be put in place. The government plans to create a special semiconductor account worth about 2 trillion won in 2027 and expand it gradually afterward. The account is intended to secure stable funding for semiconductor infrastructure, corporate support, and the mega-project. Support will be increased in line with future investment growth.
The ruling and opposition parties are also expected to speed up work on the Special Act on Mega Special Zones. Lawmakers from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs, and Startups Committee are scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting with MOTIE on the 8th to discuss follow-up legislation, including the Special Act on Mega Special Zones. The bill is expected to include tax incentives for companies located in mega special zones, subsidies for investing firms, reductions in levies, and lower rent for state- and publicly owned land.
The creation of the Southwest Semiconductor Cluster is also moving toward follow-up procedures. As the project is being promoted around the site of Gwangju Military Airport, the pace of implementation is likely to depend on how quickly follow-up administrative steps such as environmental impact assessments and various permits are completed.
aber@fnnews.com Park Ji-young Reporter