Minister of Science and ICT: "Possibility of a Second COVID-19 Wave... Fundamental Efforts for Eradication Including Vaccine Development"

National Assembly Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee Work Report

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Jo] Choi Ki-young, Minister of Science and ICT, stated on the 28th, "There remains a possibility of a second wave of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19)," adding, "We will support quarantine measures and strive for fundamental eradication through vaccine development in preparation for the autumn resurgence of COVID-19."

Minister Choi made these remarks while attending the first government briefing held at the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee that morning. He diagnosed, "Recently, the world, including South Korea, is facing a complex crisis in the real economy, employment, and finance sectors due to the aftermath of COVID-19," and described the situation as "severe with high uncertainty, including the possibility of a second wave."

He emphasized, "Our current mission is to unite national strength to wisely overcome COVID-19 based on science, technology, and ICT, and to transition to a leading economy in the post-COVID era," adding, "We intend to promote proactive and innovative policies to prepare for the Fourth Industrial Revolution era."

The Ministry of Science and ICT's briefing that day focused on ▲ COVID-19 response based on science, technology, and ICT, ▲ becoming a global digital leader based on DNA, ▲ building a strong foundation in science and technology, ▲ an inclusive society based on science, technology, and ICT, and ▲ an R&D ecosystem leading innovation.

First, Minister Choi said, "We will actively support the development of therapeutics and vaccines to fundamentally eradicate COVID-19," and added, "In preparation for the autumn resurgence of COVID-19, we will support quarantine measures based on science, technology, and ICT, and further advance South Korea’s world-class diagnostic kit technology."

He also announced a plan to promote the digital new deal based on data (D), network (N), and artificial intelligence (A), collectively called D.N.A., aiming to leap forward as a global digital leader.

He stressed, "Just as the precedent of overcoming the economic crisis during the past IMF foreign exchange crisis was supported by building high-speed internet networks and investing in IT ventures, we will promote the digital new deal to create quality jobs and contribute to establishing a ‘future-oriented innovative economy’ system through digital transformation across the economy and society." Plans include accelerating the transition to a data economy based on the three data laws, promoting private investment in 5G, and early infrastructure construction.

Furthermore, Minister Choi explained, "To build a strong foundation in science and technology, we will expand researcher-led basic research and strive to secure original technologies and national strategic technologies," adding, "We will create an environment where all citizens can enjoy the benefits of the digital society and build an R&D ecosystem that leads innovation."

He added, "I feel a heavy responsibility for urgent issues such as COVID-19 therapeutics and vaccine development, the digital new deal, and preparing future growth engines," and emphasized, "More than ever, efforts and collaboration from all sectors?including the government, National Assembly, academia, industry, and civil society?are required."

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