President Moon: "I Want to Emphasize a People-Centered 4th Industrial Revolution and the Field" (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Science and ICT and Korea Communications Commission's First Work Report of the New Year... President Moon: "We Must Protect Citizens' Rights from Fake News"

[Asia Economy reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Son Seon-hee] On the 16th, President Moon Jae-in received his first work report of the year from the Ministry of Science and ICT and the Korea Communications Commission at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in Daedeok Research Complex, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, kicking off the new year’s national agenda.

The work report, themed "Definite Change, Korea 2020, DNA of Innovation, Science and Technology Powerhouse," was held with about 120 officials including Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT. President Moon expressed his gratitude and encouragement to scientists who are achieving world-leading and pioneering results in various fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and biotechnology.

President Moon stated, "Science and technology have the power to change the lives of the people. They not only drive economic growth but also solve social problems and serve as the source of global competitiveness for the nation and companies."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In particular, President Moon emphasized, "I want to highlight two things. First is a people-centered Fourth Industrial Revolution, and second is the field." He said, "Whatever it may be, we must navigate with the goal of improving the quality of life for all citizens without exclusion. I ask that new technologies and new industries become a support for vulnerable groups, contribute to closing educational gaps, and help improve regional issues, thereby advancing an inclusive society by gathering opportunities."

Furthermore, President Moon added, "The competitiveness of the science, technology, information and communication, and media industries comes from innovation, and the capacity for innovation lies in the field. Creativity and an innovative spirit of challenge must be fully expressed. I repeatedly urge administrative innovation that listens to voices from the field, works hand in hand with the field, and allows government policy intentions to be felt first and foremost on the ground."

Starting the first work report of the new year at ETRI reflects the Blue House’s intention to lead innovation, growth, and definite change across the economy through 'D·N·A (Data·Network (5G)·AI)'.

The Ministry of Science and ICT reported on expanding inter-ministerial collaborative investments following the dawn of the 24 trillion won era of national research and development investment, and on focused investments in strategic technologies such as bio-health, space, energy, materials and components, and quantum technology. Especially, in conjunction with the National Assembly’s passage of the three Data Acts, a public-private joint investment plan of 30 trillion won, including the nationwide 5G network construction by 2022, was reported.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Moon said, "The three Data Acts, passed after a long wait, will provide the legal foundation to develop the DNA industry," emphasizing, "We must secure future growth engines through the power of science, technology, and information and communication, and accelerate the era of an innovative inclusive nation. A science and technology powerhouse and a leading AI nation are the pillars of this."

The Korea Communications Commission focused its report on comprehensive reform of outdated regulations in the media sector such as advertising, sponsorship, and programming, improving regulatory fairness with global operators, and user protection measures that may arise in the AI era. President Moon said, "It is important to create an environment where the private sector’s creative capabilities can be fully expressed," adding, "Please devote efforts to improving outdated regulations that are no longer appropriate for the times, such as regulatory imbalances among broadcasting media and reverse discrimination between domestic and foreign operators, so that Hallyu content can grow smoothly and compete fairly."

President Moon also stressed, "The public responsibility of broadcasting cannot be overemphasized," and urged, "Please make special efforts to protect the rights and interests of the people from fake news and illegal harmful information, and to bridge the media gap."

The Daedeok Research Complex is a mecca of science and technology symbolizing Korea’s innovation and change, housing 45 research institutes, seven universities including KAIST and Chungnam National University, and about 1,900 companies. ETRI contributed to Korea’s growth as a science, technology, and ICT powerhouse through achievements such as the world’s first commercialization of Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and the development of memory semiconductors (DRAM).

Meanwhile, the format of Blue House work reports has changed slightly each year. In August 2017, the first year of the Moon Jae-in administration, work reports were conducted by dividing 2-3 related ministries into nine groups. In December 2018, work reports for 2019 were held with new ministers of ministries such as Education and Defense presided over by the president. This year, work reports are conducted by grouping government ministries by theme.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.