"Bold Future Investment"... Ruling Party Hints at R&D Budget Increase

"Cartel, We Hope You Didn't Say This" Complaints Emerge
Ruling Party Science and Technology Special Committee Mentions Possible Increase Over Government Budget Proposal
But "Only for Necessary Areas for the Nation's Future"

The People Power Party's Special Committee on Science and Technology indicated the possibility of an increase in next year's research and development (R&D) budget during the National Assembly's budget review process. This comes as scientific and technological organizations strongly criticized the proposed cuts to next year's R&D budget. However, the People Power Party added a restrictive explanation that "increases can only be made for parts necessary for the nation's future."

Kim Young-sik, a member of the People Power Party and vice chairman of the Special Committee on Science and Technology, said to reporters after an on-site meeting with scientific and technological organizations at the National Assembly Members' Office Building, "We will boldly invest in the future," adding, "The parts (that the organizations have given opinions on) can be included in the Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee (SICBC) budget. Moreover, the government also has this view, and I think it is right for the country to proceed this way." When asked about the possibility of changes in the total amount, Rep. Kim replied, "It depends on the agreement between the ruling and opposition parties," suggesting that an increase in the related budget is not impossible.

Kim Young-sik, Vice Chairman of the Special Committee on Science and Technology of the People Power Party, is speaking at the first meeting held at the National Assembly on August 7. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

At the meeting, science and technology officials expressed dissatisfaction with the government's R&D budget cuts. Park Tae-hyun, Policy Director of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, said, "I don't know the details, but I predict that the government cut the budget due to complexity and efficiency," while pointing out, "There is a proverb, 'Burning down the whole thatched house while trying to catch a flea,' and such concerns arise. If the science and technology ecosystem built so far collapses, it will be difficult to restore."

Lee Jung-eun, Vice President of the Korean Women Scientists and Engineers Association, also said, "Such sudden cuts in research funds will greatly affect manpower, and the most affected will be non-regular female workers," adding, "Revitalizing basic science research is the future of Korean science. I believe this part must be absolutely considered."

They also expressed displeasure toward the government’s mention of a 'science cartel.' Jung Ok-sang, Chairman of the Basic Research Union, said, "The basic science community is somewhat agitated," emphasizing, "I hope the chairman does not use words like 'cartel.' If such a perspective exists, I think the system itself will have more disadvantages than advantages overnight."

Jung Woo-sung, Chairman of the Science and Technology Special Committee of the People Power Party, is speaking at the first meeting held at the National Assembly on August 7. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

As voices of dissatisfaction erupted, the People Power Party stated that the government budget proposal could change through the review process. Kim Sung-won, a member of the Special Committee on Science and Technology and director of the Yeouido Research Institute, said at the meeting, "Along with the government's budget formulation intentions, I think we can present a direction that allows active support for the overall necessary parts of the R&D system through this opportunity," adding, "I agree with the direction expressed by the professors and heads of national research institutes. During the review process, I will say that we will not simply restore the approximately 3.5 trillion won cut from the existing budget, but will properly resolve the truly necessary parts for the nation's future."

Meanwhile, on the same day, President Yoon Suk-yeol delivered a policy speech related to next year's budget at the National Assembly and then submitted the government budget proposal to the National Assembly. The Budget Committee plans to hold a public hearing on the 1st of next month, followed by economic department reviews on the 3rd and 6th, non-economic department reviews on the 7th and 8th, and comprehensive policy questioning on the 9th and 10th. Each standing committee of the National Assembly will also begin reviewing next year's budget proposals for their respective ministries. Next year's budget will be finalized after the Budget Committee's Budget Adjustment Subcommittee reviews increases and decreases, the full Budget Committee meeting, and the plenary session of the National Assembly.

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