[2022 National Audit] "Ignorance and Lack of Conviction"... Minister Lee Jong-ho Rebuked by Both Ruling and Opposition Parties

October 4 National Assembly Science and ICT Committee Holds Ministry of Science and ICT Audit
Science Sector Faces Criticism Over Government-Funded Research Institute Restructuring Controversy
Minister Lee Jong-ho's Response Attitude Simultaneously Criticized as "Unprincipled" by Both Ruling and Opposition Parties

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] "I don't know, I will look into it," Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT, who consistently gave passive and vague answers during the National Assembly audit, was sharply criticized by lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties, who for once united in saying, "Answer with conviction."

On the 4th, during the National Assembly audit of the Ministry of Science and ICT by the Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting and Communications Committee, lawmakers from both sides criticized Minister Lee for his continued vague and passive responses. Instead of providing detailed answers or expressing his convictions to most inquiries, Minister Lee repeatedly responded with "I don't know" or "I will look into it."

Committee Chair Jung Cheong-rae said, "Issues like 5G fee reductions are not partisan questions but broadcast-related questions," and urged, "Minister, did you attend a lecture somewhere on how to handle audits well? Please answer with conviction." Even Kwon Seong-dong, a ruling party member from the People Power Party, joined in, saying, "The minister's answers lack conviction in the eyes of the general public. Please confidently and firmly express your opinions and positions. That is how healthy dialogue and debate happen."

The audit held at the Ministry of Science and ICT building in Sejong City was originally scheduled to start at 10 a.m., but began after 11 a.m. due to the opposition's demands for an apology over Minister Lee's absence from the standing committee in August and criticisms regarding the placement of the work report. Controversies over forced restructuring of government-funded research institutes and semiconductor workforce development plans became key issues.

Opposition lawmakers first questioned the Ministry of Science and ICT's stance on the controversy over the Ministry of Economy and Finance's public institution restructuring, which was exposed by five recent science and technology labor unions, and urged a response. Jung Pil-mo of the Democratic Party said, "Is it acceptable for the Ministry of Economy and Finance to pressure subordinate agencies of the Ministry of Science and ICT in this manner, bypassing the Ministry of Science and ICT? They even obstructed submitting official documents to the National Assembly," adding, "Does the Ministry of Science and ICT have no pride? Shouldn't the minister confront the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which acts like a regent over other ministries, even at the Cabinet meeting?"

Joo Seung-rae, also from the same party, criticized, "The Ministry of Economy and Finance sent official letters to 350 public institutions at the end of July, threatening forced restructuring by demanding results by the end of August," and said, "President Yoon Seok-yeol even sent coffee trucks to the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, acknowledging poor treatment of researchers. If the research environment deteriorates, young and talented researchers will leave." He continued, "It is unreasonable to apply the same restructuring standards to KEPCO, which has tens of trillions in debt, and the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, which designs the future of national space development," urging, "The Ministry of Science and ICT should state that shrinking government-funded research institutes could reduce national competitiveness and growth potential." Minister Lee briefly responded, "We will strive to reflect the characteristics of research-purpose institutions."

Semiconductor workforce development plans also became a point of contention. Lawmaker Jung said, "Semiconductor-related departments at five regional universities are unable to fill their quotas. Even Wonkwang University, where Minister Lee was a professor, decided to close its department last April," and requested, "If the quota regulations for semiconductor departments in the metropolitan area are lifted under these circumstances, it will be even harder for regional universities to fill their quotas. Semiconductor workforce development is very important, so please take time to prepare supplementary measures." Minister Lee replied, "The Ministry of Education mainly manages quotas. However, we will consider regional talent development plans and consult again."

There were also criticisms regarding the government's plan to establish space industry clusters in Daejeon, Sacheon in Gyeongnam, and Goheung in Jeonnam. Lawmaker Joo argued, "To foster the space industry as a future strategic industry, the nation's entire capabilities must be comprehensively gathered," and said, "We should not think in a fragmented way on a narrow territory but rather develop the already established space industry capabilities." He also pointed out, "It is regrettable that the space industry cluster has become like a political spoils."

It was also confirmed that the recently finalized government reorganization plan excluded the establishment of the Aviation and Space Administration. Ha Young-je of the People Power Party said, "It has been confirmed that the plan to establish the Aviation and Space Administration is missing from the government reorganization plan finalized on the 3rd to fulfill President Yoon's campaign promises," urging, "The Ministry of Science and ICT should show a more responsible attitude." Minister Lee responded, "I will consult with the Presidential Office and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety."

On the ruling party side, there was a strong focus on criticizing the problems of science and technology policies during the Moon Jae-in administration. In particular, attacks on Moon Mi-ok, the president of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Policy (STEPI), who was considered a key figure in science and technology during the Moon administration, were intense. Kwon Seong-dong of the People Power Party criticized the selection of STEPI as the operating institution for the newly established National Space Policy Research Center last year, saying, "It is incomprehensible that the professional institution Korea Aerospace Research Institute received a low score while STEPI, which has no experts, was selected," and urged, "Minister Lee should review whether to request an audit from the Board of Audit and Inspection or to reconsider the center's selection and report back." Kim Young-seok from the same party also pointed out the controversy over parachute appointments surrounding Moon Mi-ok and demanded an audit by the Board of Audit and Inspection and appropriate measures from the Ministry of Science and ICT.

Suspicions of hasty promotion of the Korean Satellite Positioning System (KPS) project, finalized last year, were also raised. Heo Eun-ah of the People Power Party said, "Among experts in academia, there are opinions that it is being rushed hastily," and asked, "Is there a possibility that the U.S. will stop or monetize GPS services? If it is a case of 'preparing for the worst,' the investment effect will decrease. For the universal service of KPS, comprehensive space project management including launch vehicles is necessary." She added, "Please prepare detailed plans by the end of the year and strive to gain public consensus. I am curious why it was pushed so hard for five years."

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