Naju Mayor: "Kepco University of Science and Technology, a University Nurturing Talent to Protect National Security"

Yoon Byung-tae, mayor of Naju City in Jeollanam-do, criticized the government's move to reduce funding for the Korea Energy Engineering University, saying, "Reducing funding on the grounds of Korea Electric Power Corporation's (KEPCO) deficit management is putting the cart before the horse," and added, "The state must actively support the university established through national necessity and special legislation in accordance with the law."

According to Naju City on the 11th, Mayor Yoon appeared on the live radio program "Current Affairs Interview, Today" on Gwangju MBC on the morning of the 9th, stating, "Korea Energy Engineering University is not simply a university created for the prosperity of the Honam region," and explained, "It is a talent cultivation university established to secure national industrial competitiveness in the energy sector, which is vulnerable, and to ensure national energy security in the era of energy transition."

Mayor Yoon diagnosed, "KEPCO's deficit structure is fundamentally because while energy import prices have been rising, price increases for consumers have been suppressed considering the impact on the national economy."

He further pointed out, "Last year, KEPCO's deficit reached 31 trillion won, whereas this year KEPCO's planned funding for the Energy Engineering University is about 158.8 billion won," and emphasized again, "Blaming the university's unavoidable budget support during its establishment process as the cause of KEPCO's deficit is putting the cart before the horse."

He also expressed his regret and hopes for Korea Energy Engineering University, which has been embroiled in various controversies despite being only in its second year since opening.

Mayor Yoon said, "The technology gap and manpower shortage in South Korea's new energy industry sector lag significantly behind global standards," and lamented, "It is a critical time when students and faculty are wholeheartedly devoted to their studies and research activities, so it is regrettable and saddening that the university is facing such circumstances."

He especially remarked, "I wonder if the Energy Engineering University would have faced such harsh trials even if it had been located in the metropolitan area, Yeongnam region, or Chungcheong region," and stressed, "I hope the political circles, local governments, and KEPCO will unite to devise more constructive measures to overcome the current crisis."

He also actively addressed allegations of the university's mismanagement, such as excessive payment of faculty and staff salaries.

Mayor Yoon said, "It is true that faculty and staff salaries are somewhat higher compared to other universities, but considering the disadvantages and difficulties of living outside the metropolitan area, local governments have actually stepped in to provide support," and added, "To this end, Jeollanam-do and Naju City have contributed 10 billion won annually for 10 years."

He continued, "There have been reports in the media that in some regions, doctors' salaries were raised significantly to 300 million won annually due to recruitment difficulties," and added, "It is wrong to misrepresent faculty and staff salaries as evidence of reckless management."

He also urged national support according to the provisions of the special law.

Mayor Yoon emphasized, "According to the special law for the Energy Engineering University, the state has the responsibility to operate the university," and noted, "Article 5 of the law clearly states that the Minister of Industry and KEPCO shall support and foster the university."

He added, "The Energy Engineering University plans to complete its organization of students, faculty, and facilities by 2025, making investment for facility expansion a very important matter," and asserted, "The university, established by national necessity, determination, and law, must be responsibly operated by the state."

Mayor Yoon said, "Among the 107 freshmen last year, 104 are currently enrolled, and despite being a newly established university, student satisfaction is very high," and stated, "Although it is only in its second year since opening, the Energy Engineering University is pursuing collaboration with world-renowned research institutions such as Germany's Fraunhofer, the United States' MIT, and France's National Center for Scientific Research, so timely investment must be made to ensure the university bears fruit."

Naju = Kim Yuk-bong, Honam Reporting Headquarters, Asia Economy, bless4ya@asiae.co.kr

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