Yang Hyang-ja: "Legislation for Semiconductor Special Committee Aims to Pass in August... Never Considered Joining the People Power Party"

"Three Major Legislative Directions: Regulatory Reform, Tax Credit, and Talent Development"

Yang Hyang-ja, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, is being interviewed on the 13th at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Yang Hyang-ja, an independent lawmaker serving as the chairperson of the People Power Party's Special Committee for Strengthening Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness, explained that "the biggest difficulty companies face is the delay in semiconductor infrastructure permitting procedures." She stated that the Special Committee aims to propose and pass semiconductor-related legislation in August to resolve this issue.

When asked about joining the People Power Party, she drew a clear line by saying, "I have never once considered it," emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation. Lawmaker Yang said, "For the success of the Semiconductor Special Committee, the ruling party, opposition, government, industry, and academia must work together," adding, "As the only member of the National Assembly among 300 members who has semiconductor experience and knowledge, I believe it is my calling to do my best in this work."

On the 8th, appearing on YTN Radio's 'News King with Park Ji-hoon,' Yang said, "Samsung Electronics' plant in Xi'an, China, broke ground in 2012 and began operations in 2014, taking less than two years, whereas Samsung Electronics in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, took over seven years." He added, "Secondly, there is a high demand for semiconductor personnel, and semiconductor work requires highly advanced skills, but it is difficult to expand the quotas of universities in the Seoul metropolitan area where excellent students gather," further noting, "There is also a concentration phenomenon due to platform businesses."

Yang Hyang-ja, Chairperson of the Special Committee on Strengthening Competitiveness in the Semiconductor Industry, is delivering a greeting at the 1st meeting of the Special Committee on Strengthening Competitiveness in the Semiconductor Industry held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 28th. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

Yang Hyang-ja, Chairperson of the Special Committee on Strengthening Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness, is attending the 1st meeting of the Special Committee on Strengthening Semiconductor Industry Competitiveness held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building on the 28th, greeting Kwon Seong-dong, Floor Leader of the People Power Party. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

He continued, "In semiconductor investment, tax support must be expanded to lower technological entry barriers and create a virtuous cycle where profit structures lead to investment. In the U.S., not only is there a 25% tax reduction on semiconductor facility investments, but local governments also build all the infrastructure," explaining, "In China, corporate tax is fully exempted for each production process."

He added, "Especially in the EU, subsidies of up to 40% are provided. In this situation where the semiconductor hegemony war is ongoing, each country is making efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of the semiconductor industry."

Furthermore, he said, "We have set three major legislative directions for the Special Committee: regulatory reform, investment promotion, and talent cultivation. Up to the second meeting, we have also divided tasks among subcommittees to promote these three major agendas," emphasizing, "In the future, besides official Special Committee meetings, we will continuously hold field visits, advisory group meetings, and gather opinions from academia and industry to promptly prepare and submit bills reflecting voices from the field."

When asked about plans to rejoin the Democratic Party, he said, "Last September, I was cleared of secondary damage charges related to my aide's sexual assault case by investigative authorities, so my reasons for expulsion were actually clarified." He then suggested the possibility of rejoining by saying, "I love the Democratic Party, and if I can be of use in innovating and reforming the Democratic Party, I believe this is also work for the country and the people, and I will not hesitate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.