"Neglect of Nuriho Key Figures? ... Their Mission Is Over"

O Tae-seok, 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, Reveals in Meeting with Reporters on the 20th
Supports Researchers in Internal Conflict over Organizational Restructuring
Also Expresses Hope for Amicable Resolution

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] The Ministry of Science and ICT reaffirmed its neutral stance amid internal conflicts at the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI). Regarding the rocket researchers who resigned one after another in protest against the disbandment of the independent Korea Launch Vehicle Development Project Headquarters following organizational restructuring, the ministry sided with the institute by stating that "the mission has ended," while also urging for an amicable resolution.

On the morning of the 20th, Oh Tae-seok, the 1st Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and ICT, told reporters, “The mission of the Launch Vehicle Development Project Headquarters ended with the first and second launches of the Nuri rocket.”

Previously, the former head of the project headquarters, who led the successful Nuri rocket launches, and other officials of the Launch Vehicle Development Project Headquarters protested the disbandment of the headquarters and reorganization into a research institute system by KARI, claiming that “the success of the third Nuri rocket launch has become impossible,” and submitted their resignations. The controversy escalated the day before when the director of the Naro Space Center also joined, sparking a debate over the “neglect of the key figures behind Nuri’s success.”

However, on this day, Vice Minister Oh emphasized that “the mission of the Korea Launch Vehicle Development Project Headquarters, led by the former head, was aimed at the development of the first and second Nuri rockets,” and “the mission ends there,” asserting that KARI’s organizational restructuring was justified. He further explained, “Originally, the mission was supposed to end this year, but it was extended until June next year because there are remaining tasks such as compensating fishermen and analyzing data obtained from the launch vehicle.”

Vice Minister Oh added, “According to the Korean launch vehicle advancement project, a total of four launches will be conducted by 2027, but the former head Ko Jeong-hwan will not be the project leader for that.” He also expressed a desire for a smooth resolution of the situation, saying, “The core issue is how to design the organization, and I hope that KARI will resolve the differing opinions amicably through discussions.”

The day before, Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT also said at a year-end luncheon with the press corps, “Both former head Ko and KARI surely agree on the national cause and the need to advance space technology,” adding, “There seem to have been procedural disagreements, but I believe those can be resolved through sufficient discussion.” He also stated, “Former head Ko is not leaving KARI,” and “I hope he continues to take on important responsibilities.”

Meanwhile, regarding this incident, analyses inside and outside KARI suggest that long-standing conflicts among old members from different research fields have resurfaced. With the establishment of the Space Agency expected early next year, significant changes are anticipated within KARI, and some individuals aiming for specific positions are reportedly leading efforts to “show their power.”

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