Minister Choi Ki-young of MSIT: "Domestic vaccine by early next year... must be developed no later"

Revealed at the Ministry of Science and ICT Press Corps Meeting on the 22nd

Minister Choi Ki-young of the Ministry of Science and ICT held a press briefing with reporters at the Ministry of Science and ICT briefing room in Sejong City on the afternoon of the 22nd. Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Choi Ki-young, Minister of Science and ICT, reiterated on the afternoon of the 22nd that the domestic COVID-19 vaccine vaccination would only be possible "early next year," emphasizing the importance of securing vaccine sovereignty for safety assurance and preparation against other infectious diseases. He acknowledged that the government's budget support for COVID-19 is smaller compared to advanced countries like the United States but stated that support will continue until the end to establish vaccine development platforms.

At a press briefing held online and offline at the Ministry of Science and ICT building in Sejong City, Minister Choi said, "It is true that the budget allocated for COVID-19 response is considerably smaller compared to foreign advanced countries." In this regard, the government announced a comprehensive response plan on the 19th, deciding to invest 262.7 billion KRW this year in vaccines and therapeutics for COVID-19. However, compared to countries like the UK and the US, which have invested enormous budgets since last year, South Korea has been criticized for failing to develop domestic vaccines and secure overseas vaccines, resulting in delayed vaccinations and overlooking variables such as the emergence of variants and concerns about a large-scale winter outbreak.

Regarding this, Minister Choi said, "Although we say we have joined the ranks of advanced countries, it is true that we are relatively behind compared to countries that have made significant investments from the preliminary stages. It is a fact that long-term investment has been insufficient." Nevertheless, he emphasized, "Since such situations (like the COVID-19 pandemic) can continue to occur, it is urgent to establish vaccine and therapeutic development platforms. The government’s policy is to support this until the end."

On the delay in the construction of the heavy ion accelerator, which has recently become an issue in the National Assembly, he explained, "The US completed a similar project last year, but ours is the world's first and a very challenging task." He added, "We plan to complete the low-energy section this year if possible and proceed with research and development (R&D) for the high-energy section in two phases as part of a strategic plan."

Regarding the plan to develop a '3-minute COVID-19 diagnostic kit' using saliva by March, he said, "It is a completely new concept based on semiconductors, with industry and academia working together." He expressed high expectations, saying, "We expect it to be released soon. There should be enough time until March; it is a very promising diagnostic kit."

On therapeutic development, he introduced that besides Celltrion's recently approved Regkirona, drug repurposing therapeutics and plasma therapies are under study, and some substances are in phase 3 clinical trials. He said, "There are various candidate substances, and we hope a good one will emerge." Regarding domestic COVID-19 vaccine development, he said, "There are two companies in Korea developing DNA vaccines." He added, "Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines like Moderna and Pfizer are still under research and will take some time. Other types of vaccines could succeed by the end of this year or early next year if clinical trials proceed quickly."

He continued, "Unless special variables occur, domestic vaccine vaccination will be possible early next year." He emphasized, "It is uncertain how long the effectiveness of overseas vaccines will last. Also, many virus mutations occur, and we cannot continue to rely on overseas-developed vaccines. If new infectious diseases emerge, we need the capacity to respond. Therefore, it is necessary to have the capability to respond accordingly."

Regarding the controversy over delays in space development policies, including the establishment of a space agency following the Mars rover landing on the 19th, he said, "Unexpected issues such as technical development problems have become variables." He added, "Having an independent space agency might give more strength, but it is not the right time to discuss it immediately. The organizational restructuring issue should be postponed to the next time."

When asked whether he was unable to properly promote the nurturing of materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang), strengthening the foundation of basic science, and fostering the AI sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic despite his intentions at the time of appointment, he explained, "I have not forgotten and am reviewing each one carefully."

He also revealed that he is considering organizational restructuring in light of President Moon Jae-in’s '2050 Carbon Neutrality' declaration announced last December. Minister Choi said, "Carbon neutrality is a very important issue for the entire government. We are considering strengthening the organization related to carbon neutrality."

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