Lee Won-taek, the newly elected governor of North Jeolla Province, began his four-year term in July 2022 with an apology to residents [1].
The start of the administration marks a volatile period for the region's economic strategy. A flagship campaign pledge to secure a 200 trillion won semiconductor investment [1] was effectively nullified by the central government just one day before the governor's inauguration.
Lee's term followed a one-month transition period after the June 2022 local elections [1]. During his inauguration ceremony in the provincial capital, the governor addressed the loss of the investment and the resulting need to apologize to the public. He said the current distribution of industrial growth is flawed, noting that 800 trillion won in semiconductor projects are concentrated in Gwangju and South Jeolla [1].
Despite the setback, Lee said he will not give up on attracting semiconductor fabs. He pledged to continue efforts to bring these facilities to the province, and to further develop Saemangeum [1].
To address the perceived regional neglect, the administration held three protest meetings regarding mega-projects [1]. These actions highlight the tension between provincial ambitions and central government allocations. Lee said the province remains committed to high-tech industrial growth despite the initial loss of the promised funding.
"I will not give up on attracting semiconductor fabs," Lee said [1].
“"I will not give up on attracting semiconductor fabs,"”
The immediate withdrawal of a 200 trillion won investment creates a significant credibility gap for Governor Lee's early administration. By pivoting to criticize the concentration of 800 trillion won in neighboring regions, Lee is framing North Jeolla as a victim of regional imbalance to maintain political leverage while attempting to salvage the province's long-term industrial goals in Saemangeum.
