Kwon Seongdong: "Lee Jaemyung, Who Claims to Be Pro-Business, Should Pass the Special Semiconductor Act with the Extra Budget"

On April 29, the People Power Party proposed to Lee Jaemyung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, that they pass the supplementary budget bill (extra budget) along with the Special Semiconductor Act, which includes an exception to the 52-hour workweek rule.

Kwon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party, stated at the party strategy meeting held at the National Assembly that day, "While we may not be able to provide more support than our competitor nations, at the very least, we should not hold our own industry back." He urged, "Let us pass a special law that stipulates an exception to the 52-hour workweek, limited to high-wage research personnel in the semiconductor industry."

Kwon Seongdong, floor leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the floor strategy meeting held at the National Assembly on April 29, 2025. Photo by Kim Hyunmin

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Floor leader Kwon referred to candidate Lee's announcement of semiconductor support measures as his top campaign pledge the previous day, saying, "Lee claimed that the Special Semiconductor Act failed to pass the National Assembly due to the government's and the People Power Party's obstruction, but this is a lie."

He continued, "Are the members of Lee Jaemyung's campaign and the Democratic Party staff actually complying with the 52-hour workweek?" He criticized, "Forcing a law onto the public and businesses that they themselves cannot keep is the very definition of hypocrisy and violence."

Kwon also said, "As the presidential election approaches, Lee Jaemyung is suddenly proclaiming that 'national wealth is created by corporations' and is touting pro-business and pro-market policies. If there is even a shred of truth in his words, and if this is not just a vote-seeking lie, then let's truly pass the Special Semiconductor Act together with the upcoming extra budget."

After the meeting, Kwon spoke to reporters about the possibility of unifying candidacies with Han Ducksoo, the acting president and prime minister, saying, "Most People Power Party members believe a 'Big Tent against Lee' is necessary to counter candidate Lee Jaemyung. The party leadership respects the opinions of our members."

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