Chey Tae-won, Chairman of SK Group (photo), stated on the 10th regarding the location of a new semiconductor plant that “it may not necessarily be the case that we will build it in Korea no matter what,” indicating that both domestic and overseas sites are being considered. His remarks came as some observers recently raised the possibility that SK hynix could review establishing a new semiconductor packaging production base in Jeollanam-do, and the chairman made it clear that he would not rule out an overseas plant. In response, Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on the same day rebutted Chey’s comments via social media.

After attending the Nikkei Forum held at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, Chey met with reporters and, when asked about the location of the next plant following completion of the Yongin Cluster semiconductor factory, said, “Demand for semiconductors has increased tremendously, so the (construction) plan has been accelerated somewhat.” He added, “If (building a semiconductor plant) does not work out in our country, we are in a situation where we have to go overseas,” and continued, “Where and how to build it so that it is more beneficial to us—this is the issue. So it may not necessarily be ‘we will build only in Korea no matter what.’”

Regarding new semiconductor investment, Chey said, “All stakeholders have to be happy,” and added, “If we believe that customers or other countries will bring us substantial benefits, then we can also make certain demands, and how we respond to those demands and act on them is also a matter of our capability.” He went on to say, “We will decide where and how to build after taking everything into comprehensive consideration.”

However, on the same day, Prime Minister Kim posted on X, sharing an article covering Chey’s remarks in Japan, and argued, “Rather than ‘if it does not work out in Korea,’ the focus should be on ‘how to make it work in Korea,’ and on companies, the government, and politics engaging in sincere dialogue and making dedicated efforts.”

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