Director of National Affairs, “I agree with the problem” in response to the question about ‘designation of essential work in the semiconductor industry’ (comprehensive)

Attendance by the head of the investigative agency of the Cabinet of Ministers "for the purpose of cooperation"... When asked about 'group chat room', it is "unofficial activity"

(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporters Lee Sang-hyun and Ahn Jeong-hoon = On the 21st, Director Lim Ki-geun of the Office for Government Policy Coordination said, "We will discuss with the relevant ministries" about ways to respond to the strike, such as designating temporary essential maintenance work for the semiconductor industry.

When People Power Party lawmaker Choi Eun-seok suggested at the National Assembly's political affairs committee audit that day, "We should consider temporarily granting the semiconductor industry a legal status equivalent to an essential public service business," Director Lim responded by saying, "The government 100% agrees with the awareness of the problem."

Regarding the fact that performance bonuses have become a cause of strikes in the semiconductor business, such as the Samsung Electronics union's strike this year demanding a 'performance bonus of N% of operating profits', he said, "The final decision on performance bonuses is a matter that must be made by individual companies."

However, he said, "I think it is a judgment consistent with sound public common sense to view the performance of semiconductor companies in Korea as the result of not only the role of the union, but also the overall combination of the union, management, partners, and government support."

In addition, he added, "Regarding essential maintenance work, we will discuss with the relevant ministries in a balanced manner both the aspect of maintaining semiconductor competitiveness and whether there is any potential for fundamental infringement on workers' rights and interests."

When Rep. Park Joon-tae and others from the same party questioned whether it was desirable to attend the cabinet meeting of the head of the Central Investigation Agency and the Director of the Public Prosecution Service, Director Lim explained, “(Attendance) was for the purpose of collaboration,” and added, “We are paying special attention to ensure that problems with the independence and political neutrality of investigative agencies do not arise.”

When Representative Shin Dong-wook repeatedly asked whether the heads of investigative agencies participate in the 'Group Chat Room for Cabinet Meeting Participants', Director Lim replied, "It is not appropriate to talk about unofficial activities."

In response, Rep. Shin pointed out, “It would be difficult to call the space where the President’s business orders are given unofficial.”

In addition, when Rep. Shin again raised suspicions that there were problems in the process of discussing deregulation related to Naver's acquisition of Dunamu, Director Lim responded, "I have no shame in looking up to heaven (in the decision process)."

In response to Rep. Park Seong-hoon's point that the construction of Gadeok New Airport is drifting, Director Lim explained, "The government is also deeply aware of the importance of Gadeok New Airport," and added, "I think the issue of construction costs should be resolved."

He added, “Now, by putting their heads together, (relevant organizations) have almost reached a practical agreement,” adding, “Close consultations are also underway with the private sector in charge of the actual construction.”