Jung Won-ju commits 10 billion won to boost Honam semiconductor and AI hub

During the Global Semiconductor and AI Transformation Forum held at the Gwangju Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jung Won-ju, chair of Herald Media Group, Jungheung Group and Daewoo Engineering & Construction, pledged 10 billion won (about $7.4 million) for a semiconductor and AI cluster in the Honam region. He said the Lee Jae Myung administration’s three megaprojects for Honam aim to create growth opportunities and address structural challenges such as youth outflows, declining population and a limited industrial base.

Jung highlighted Honam’s existing strengths in AI and energy, arguing that combining these with advanced industries could make the area a pillar of Korea’s future economy. He emphasized that the megaprojects are more than just building semiconductor plants, seeking to transform Honam into a talent-attracting region. The donation is intended to spur additional involvement from businesses, academic institutions and other stakeholders to develop a robust regional industrial ecosystem.