Lee "Lunar Landing Project to be Completed by 2030"

Introduction of the Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology Innovation
Selection of 10 Major Projects Including AI
Announcement of Key Science and Technology Pledges
"Striving to Become a Top 5 Global Science Power"

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Ju-yeon] Lee Jae-myung, the presidential candidate of the Democratic Party of Korea, announced that he will complete the moon landing project by 2030 and elevate South Korea to become the world's 7th leading space power.

Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, is announcing his science and technology policy pledges at the central party office in Yeouido, Seoul, on the 22nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

On the morning of the 22nd, Lee made this statement at the announcement of the ‘7 Major Science and Technology Pledges’ held at the central party office in Yeouido, saying, "We will prioritize the science and technology innovation strategy as the top national agenda and strive to become one of the world’s top 5 science powers."

Regarding the moon landing project, Lee emphasized, "It is not merely symbolic, but will be a core (space science) project rather than a future industry." He added, "By 2030, we will actively encourage the development of launch vehicles to be able to launch a 3-ton class geostationary satellite using our own technology and will not spare any investment," and said, "We will rise as a space development powerhouse capable of launching satellites necessary for the national economy and security on our own." He also plans to establish the ‘Space Strategy Headquarters,’ a presidential-level national space policy agency, to formulate space development strategies and achieve goals.

Along with this, he promised to introduce a Deputy Prime Minister for Science and Technology Innovation to lead the national science and technology innovation strategy and delegate significant planning and budget authority.

Lee pointed out, "There is a need to organize and adjust the science and technology budget," and said, "In key R&D areas, the government should focus investment on basic science research that is not profitable, but currently, it is insufficient." He emphasized, "I believe a kind of control tower is necessary to boldly shift the direction and take responsibility for the fragmented science and technology research and development divided among ministries," and added, "For this, a Deputy Prime Minister for National Technology Innovation is needed."

In addition, he selected 10 fields including artificial intelligence, quantum computing, aerospace, smart mobility, and next-generation batteries as ‘Presidential Big Projects’ to establish technological sovereignty and pledged to secure a ‘regional autonomous R&D budget’ worth 1 trillion won.

In this presidential election, candidates from both ruling and opposition parties are emphasizing the importance of science and technology. Yoon Seok-youl, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, attended a meeting with the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies the day before and stated, "The development of science and technology is of utmost importance." Ahn Cheol-soo, the presidential candidate of the People’s Party, repeatedly stressed, "Becoming a science and technology-centered country is the only way for Korea’s future survival."

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