'Science and Technology Neglect?' Minister Lee Jong-ho Says "Strengthening Control Tower Functions Is Necessary"

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT./Photo by the Transition Committee Press Corps

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-seon] On the 10th, Lee Jong-ho, the newly appointed Minister of Science and ICT (photo), addressed the 'Yoon Seok-yeol administration's neglect of science and technology' by stating, "At this point, it is not appropriate to mention the reorganization plans of the Presidential Office and the government, but it is necessary to strengthen the function of the control tower or coordinator based on science, technology, and digital." Regarding the establishment of the Aerospace Agency, a pledge of President Yoon Seok-yeol, and the opinion that it should be organized as an agency under the Ministry of Science and ICT, he agreed, saying, "Space development is a convergence of various technologies ranging from basic science to machinery, chemistry, optics, and new materials, and considering the significant forward and backward linkage effects of developed technologies, the science and technology ministry needs to continuously lead." About the mission and role of the Aerospace Agency, Minister Lee said, "The Aerospace Agency is planned to carry out work centered on future-oriented space and aviation research and development," adding, "It will be organized focusing on space development and civil use."

Minister Lee made these remarks in an additional written response submitted to the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee. Along with this, regarding catch-up technologies (quantum), the Ministry of Science and ICT presented a strategic direction of 'government-led open, cooperative, and accumulative approach for mid- to long-term nurturing.' When asked about specific preparations, he explained, "We will promote long-term and stable technology development to establish a quantum technology and industry base, build a quantum cryptographic communication network, and prepare cooperation strategies with leading countries such as the U.S. and the EU," adding, "To this end, we will set clear achievement goals through detailed opportunity and threat analysis led by the private sector and close inter-ministerial cooperation, and establish and implement a strategic roadmap." He also emphasized, "For the continuous and stable promotion of strategic technology development, a nationwide control tower establishment, increased R&D investment, and a systematic institutional foundation for nurturing and securing strategic technologies are necessary," stressing, "The 'Special Act on the Promotion of National Strategic Technologies,' currently under discussion in the National Assembly, needs to be passed promptly."

Additionally, Minister Lee commented on the fact that the subsidiaries of the three major telecom companies exceed 50% market share in the budget phone market, stating, "Market concentration toward telecom subsidiaries is undesirable," but also noted, "I am aware that some argue there are side effects to regulating subsidiary market share, so we will carefully consider and review this."

He also shared growth strategies for online video services (OTT). Minister Lee said, "The domestic media industry is both a growth engine that creates high added value and a core industry that determines the national brand value (soft power)," explaining, "The government will establish institutional foundations such as OTT content tax credits and self-rating systems, provide overseas market information, and actively support domestic OTTs' overseas expansion through local remakes and co-productions."

Regarding the forced in-app payment practices by overseas app markets such as Google, he pointed out, "The lack of a healthy competitive environment within the domestic mobile app ecosystem has influenced Google's policy implementation," and stated, "Overseas operators need to comply with related obligations, respecting the legislative intent of the National Assembly to guarantee app payment choice."

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