Lee Jong-ho: "Will Play a Role in Kakao Communication Issues... Not Involved in KAIST Space Center Internal Conflict"

On the 19th, the Ministry of Science and ICT press corps revealed
"Aerospace Administration should be placed under the Ministry of Science and ICT"

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT is speaking at the year-end meeting with the press corps held in Sejong City on the afternoon of the 19th. Photo by the Ministry of Science and ICT.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT recently expressed his intention not to be deeply involved in the internal conflict at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). He also stated that the newly planned Space and Aviation Agency should remain under the Ministry of Science and ICT, and that the first head should prioritize expertise.

On the afternoon of the 19th, Minister Lee held a year-end meeting with the press corps in Sejong City and, in response to questions about the internal conflict at KARI, said, "I think such incidents occurred because there were probably some differences in opinions during the organizational restructuring process."

Minister Lee said, "When people work, they cannot always present unified opinions for various reasons. If each opinion is discussed, it can be resolved sufficiently," adding, "(Ko Jung-hwan, head of the Korea Launch Vehicle Development Headquarters) has resigned, but he has not left KARI and remains as a researcher. Personally, I hope he continues to take on important roles and perform well."

He continued, "Both the headquarters and KARI would agree on the national cause, that is, how to effectively and well develop space technology," and added, "I assume there were differences in methods and procedures, but I believe these can be resolved through sufficient discussion in the future. Everyone involved is excellent, so they should be allowed to demonstrate their talents for the country."

Regarding direct intervention, Minister Lee drew a line. He explained, "They are all proud engineers and scientists, so there is always a wall when they debate," but added, "They must do their best internally to resolve issues rationally in consideration of the national cause. If help is needed during that process, I can offer advice."

He also expressed the opinion that the newly established Space and Aviation Agency should remain under the Ministry of Science and ICT for the time being, and that expertise should be the primary consideration for the first head. Minister Lee, emphasizing that this was his personal opinion, said, "The Space and Aviation Agency is an expert and project organization, so the head should be someone with expertise who understands that. Since it will replace existing government organizations, administrative operation and management should also be considered."

He added, "Traditionally, the Ministry of Science and ICT has handled the most space-related work and accumulated know-how and knowledge," and said, "Therefore, if it remains under the Ministry of Science and ICT, there may be difficulties in collaboration with other ministries. The National Space Committee is chaired by the Prime Minister, but if it is elevated to the President in the future, such concerns can be resolved. If problems persist even then, a reasonable solution must be found."

Minister Lee also cited the most memorable events since his inauguration in May as the successful second launch of Nuriho in June, which earned him the nickname 'Clown Ascension,' and the success of Danuri in August. Regarding the Kakao outage incident, he said, "There were times when the public felt it was like locking the barn after the horse has bolted," and added, "Although such incidents seemed unlikely, once they occur and have a huge impact on our daily lives, the public regrets it even if it is in the private sector. I pledge to fulfill my role."

Regarding plans for next year, he introduced, "It will be the first full year for the Yoon Seok-yeol administration," and said, "We will concretize and achieve results on major roadmap plans such as the Korea Digital Strategy, national strategic technology development plan, space development promotion plan, and basic science and technology plan, which have been or will be announced this year."

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