Kim Jung-kwan, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, stated on October 22 that he will work to incorporate plans for expanding water reuse into investment agreements related to the Honam semiconductor cluster. Regarding the construction of U.S. military facilities at the Gwangju military airport, which is tied to the cluster's development, he mentioned that he was not aware of the details and would seek further clarification.
During a comprehensive audit of the Ministry and its affiliated agencies by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, Minister Kim responded to a query from lawmaker Cha Kyu-geun of the Justice Party, who emphasized the need for companies to recognize the importance of expanding water reuse within their factories.
Lawmaker Cha cited the example of beer produced in the United States using purified water from showers and laundry, urging semiconductor factories to actively pursue water recycling initiatives. He stated, "Before drawing more water for Gwangju citizens and Honam farmers, companies should prioritize conserving the water they use in their own facilities," and called for the inclusion of water reuse goals and related facility installation plans in the semiconductor master plan and investment agreements for the Honam cluster, which are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
Minister Kim assured that he would make every effort to reflect these plans and agreements. He also noted that the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment would review strategies for expanding water reuse in large industrial complexes.
On the same day, lawmaker Seo Ji-young of the People Power Party raised concerns about potential delays in the relocation of the military airport and the timeline for establishing the semiconductor cluster, citing reports on a 58 billion won construction project for U.S. military facilities at the Gwangju military airport.
Seo criticized the Ministry's management of the project, stating, "The biggest risk of this project is that the minister, who is supposed to be the practical control tower, is unaware of anything." He demanded that the Ministry report to the National Assembly on the overall financial requirements, including the relocation of the military airport and additional infrastructure related to power, water, and wastewater.
In response to questions about the U.S. military facility construction, Minister Kim stated, "I have not seen that information." However, he explained that discussions regarding the relocation of U.S. forces are handled by the Ministry of National Defense and are proceeding without issues. He added, "We will look into the matters you mentioned."
During a comprehensive audit of the Ministry and its affiliated agencies by the National Assembly's Trade, Industry, Energy, and Small and Medium Enterprises Committee, Minister Kim responded to a query from lawmaker Cha Kyu-geun of the Justice Party, who emphasized the need for companies to recognize the importance of expanding water reuse within their factories.
Lawmaker Cha cited the example of beer produced in the United States using purified water from showers and laundry, urging semiconductor factories to actively pursue water recycling initiatives. He stated, "Before drawing more water for Gwangju citizens and Honam farmers, companies should prioritize conserving the water they use in their own facilities," and called for the inclusion of water reuse goals and related facility installation plans in the semiconductor master plan and investment agreements for the Honam cluster, which are expected to be finalized by the end of the year.
Minister Kim assured that he would make every effort to reflect these plans and agreements. He also noted that the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment would review strategies for expanding water reuse in large industrial complexes.
On the same day, lawmaker Seo Ji-young of the People Power Party raised concerns about potential delays in the relocation of the military airport and the timeline for establishing the semiconductor cluster, citing reports on a 58 billion won construction project for U.S. military facilities at the Gwangju military airport.
Seo criticized the Ministry's management of the project, stating, "The biggest risk of this project is that the minister, who is supposed to be the practical control tower, is unaware of anything." He demanded that the Ministry report to the National Assembly on the overall financial requirements, including the relocation of the military airport and additional infrastructure related to power, water, and wastewater.
In response to questions about the U.S. military facility construction, Minister Kim stated, "I have not seen that information." However, he explained that discussions regarding the relocation of U.S. forces are handled by the Ministry of National Defense and are proceeding without issues. He added, "We will look into the matters you mentioned."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.