"Yoon Surprisingly Curious... Asked About Quantum Science During Work Report" (Summary)

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT stated at his first press briefing on the 20th
"Caution is needed" regarding network usage fees and joining the Chip 4 alliance

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT expressed a reserved stance on the issue of network usage fees, which has escalated into lawsuits between domestic telecom companies and foreign firms, as well as on whether to join the U.S.-led semiconductor alliance (Chip 4 Alliance), stating that "it is a matter to be decided carefully considering national interests and legal aspects." He also explained his activities over the two months since his inauguration, mentioning that President Yoon asked, "What is quantum science?" during a briefing on the 15th.

Below is a Q&A with Minister Lee.

- Telecom companies are planning to introduce a mid-tier 5G plan?

▲ People's lives are difficult, aren't they? So there have been many requests. It seems that the three major telecom companies are reflecting that atmosphere and considering introducing a mid-tier plan. As reported in the media, I understand SKT proposed it first. I believe there were many internal considerations within the company, but I am grateful to the three telecom companies for making such a proposal. Although there is controversy, I think there will be matters to review going forward. Since the proposal has been made, I expect discussions and decisions to be made according to procedures and regulations before implementation.

- There is controversy over the Sejong City office building?

▲ I think various reviews have been conducted. Respect is needed for such matters. Conversely, I believe there may be dissatisfaction and diverse opinions within the Ministry of Science and ICT as well. The most reasonable plan will be pursued.

- Danuri is being launched for lunar exploration.

▲ I plan to go on a business trip at the end of July. I will go to Florida to watch the launch of the lunar orbiter. On one hand, I feel some burden. Even though it is launched by SpaceX's rocket, there is a concern that something might go wrong. I hope it goes well without any issues. If successful, it will be another great achievement for the science and technology community and will send a message to the public. I also plan to discuss cooperation plans with the U.S. State Department regarding space development and science.

- How is the Digital Platform Government being promoted?

▲ We are consulting with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. We are discussing and organizing the formation and organization of the (Promotion Committee). We expect to complete the appointment of committee members by August and officially start work. We are cooperating well with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and will promote the Digital Platform Government in a way that practically benefits the public.

- You only smiled when talking about semiconductors and did not show policy vision in other fields?

▲ Did I? (laughs) I don't remember, but that's not true. I have attended several meetings related to information and communication, software, and cybersecurity. I really learned a lot and told the industry people that they are doing very dynamically. After attending those meetings, I feel energized and not tired. I don't only talk about semiconductors; I also attend meetings in those fields and listen a lot about ways to help.

- As a former professor, are you learning the job well?

▲ Being a former professor has advantages. Regarding the semiconductor talent nurturing policy, I consulted with the Ministry of Education about the contract quota system, which I could not have done if I were not a professor. I also had some experience in administration, finance, policy, and personnel. I served as a planning dean at a school and experienced some physical strain doing unfamiliar tasks. I learned how school administration works. Also, as the head of a small semiconductor research institute with about 30 staff, I experienced personnel and evaluation. Of course, the Ministry of Science and ICT is a much larger organization, but I am learning quickly. So far, there have been no problems. I will continue to learn diligently.

- Was there any "breaking-in" process as a new minister?

▲ Even if there was, I think it doesn't matter. It depends on how I think and accept it. It could be a concern, but I believe it can be transformed into wisdom.

- How was the previous business briefing?

▲ The staff worked hard preparing for the presidential briefing. Science and technology terms are difficult and hard to understand. We thought a lot about how to convey it well and revised the materials several times. It was the first time doing such a thing, so I was very nervous. I wanted to ask staff accompanying me, but it was not the situation to do so. I was nervous and thought about how to speak simply and clearly, then explained the prepared materials in detail. The atmosphere was good. The president asked many questions and requested attention to several matters. Surprisingly, he was curious and asked about quantum technology. He had studied quantum mechanics and mentioned the Niels Bohr model and Bohr's student Heisenberg, which he said he knew from before. He asked about the quantum system. After the briefing, I realized what the president emphasizes. He also asked that software developers working hard in the heat be properly compensated.

- Why did you accept the minister position, and what specifically will you do going forward?

▲ It is difficult to answer specifically. After receiving the ministerial offer, I pondered for three days. I was unprepared and did not expect to do this. Suddenly receiving the offer, I felt somewhat detached from reality. I consulted with people around me, and they encouraged me, saying "You will do well," and "Go and do well," so I accepted.

The digital field is very important. Broadly speaking, Korea has the capacity and environment to do digital well. To do digital well, semiconductors and information and communication must be strong, and infrastructure must be in place. In that situation, we must enter digital platform applications. The core is talent. In digital fields, geniuses must be nurtured. Such a person can replace the work of 100 people or more. Korea has good infrastructure and dynamism in digital fields, but from a system perspective, we need help from advanced countries. We should send digital major students to the U.S. for postdoctoral research and internships at digital companies. Many of them will return to Korea, creating a development model.

Other ministries have such programs, but the Ministry of Science and ICT plans a program called the "Talent Ladder." The key is how many digital talents we gather and how we cultivate excellence. At each stage, exams are held, and excellent candidates enter improved programs for education. If the Ministry of Science and ICT does very well, we may send them to graduate schools of the four major science and technology institutes. Training one million talents is very important, and among them, one must become an outstanding talent.

- What do you think about the U.S.-led Chip 4 Alliance?

▲ We must be very cautious. I have talked with business people who have been to China and thought about it. It is difficult to say in detail as it is still in progress. Ultimately, it must align with national interests. Although the Chip 4 Alliance is limited to semiconductors, when problems arise, we must choose a side, which affects other industries as well. We must be careful in that regard and judge coldly what is helpful.

- What about the network usage fee controversy?

▲ If I were a professor, I would speak frankly about network usage fees. There are many legal aspects to review. SK Broadband and Netflix are currently in litigation over this. The outcome is of interest not only to Korea but also to other countries benchmarking to create regulations. From that perspective, we should not say unilaterally that this is right. I ask for understanding on this matter. Content providers (CPs) should also contribute to network construction and upgrades, so this needs discussion. We must carefully examine how other countries handle this internationally and what our environment is before proceeding.

- The appointment of bureau chiefs has been delayed since your inauguration.

▲ I wish it had been done quickly, but it is in progress. Various circumstances caused the delay. I think it will proceed soon. It is a big issue. Quick appointments are necessary for smooth work, so I feel regret. Of course, there is some room to endure for reasonable appointments.

- What about the innovation pledge for science public-private governance such as the Public-Private Science and Technology Committee?

▲ The presidential office is well aware of public-private governance issues and may organize such matters at some point. So far, there have been no problems caused by governance, but since we cannot predict what might happen, I believe the presidential office understands this well.

- How are regulatory reform issues in broadcasting and telecommunications progressing?

▲ We are promoting deregulation of national satellite imagery, reform of information security certification systems, security certification for information security products, cloud security certification, simplification of frequency supply procedures for 5G specialized networks, issues with landline phones, simplification of wireless station inspections, deregulation of paid broadcasting, introduction of self-regulation for digital platforms, deregulation of smartphone SIM card regulations, and improvement of research funding systems for outstanding overseas researchers.

(Deputy Minister Park Yoon-kyu) The new government is focusing on regulatory reform. The Ministry of Science and ICT is responsible for improving regulations on new industries within the Economic Regulatory Reform Task Force. We are preparing to improve primary tasks identified in the ICT Regulatory Sandbox by July-August. Safe data utilization has become a major issue, and we are sharing industry opinions on personal information protection. We are focusing on creating reform plans and discussing ways to update long-standing regulations on communications and radio to match technological advancements.

- Professor Heo Jun-i won the Fields Medal, the Nobel Prize of mathematics. What support is there for the mathematics field?

▲ Professor Heo is truly remarkable and did very well. Mathematics is not just mathematics but is important in cyber algorithms, finance, and security. The state must take good care to nurture talents. I understand that national support for mathematics has increased compared to before. Furthermore, we are promoting the "Hanultari Project" (support for long-term researchers over 10 years) to enable the emergence of a second Heo Jun-i through steady, long-term basic science research. It is scheduled to be implemented next year.

- Recently, LGU+ requested designation as an exception industry for carbon neutrality in mobile telecommunications?

▲ Simply put, it means mobile telecommunications have a carbon-saving effect. We need to review and discuss whether this is accurate.

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