Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT: "Line, Doing Our Best to Prevent Unfair Treatment"

Expressing Strong Support for Naver Line Yahoo Incident
R&D Budget to Increase but Emphasis on Efficiency and System Maintenance Needed
Fair Trade Commission's Platform Act Raises Concerns of Reverse Discrimination Against Our Companies
Appeal for Abolition of Dantong Act and Passage of AI Basic Act in National Assembly

Lee Jong-ho, Minister of Science and ICT, stated that the highest priority in responding to the Japanese government's administrative guidance to Line Yahoo to reconsider its equity relationship with Naver is to ensure that our companies' overseas businesses and investments are not treated unfairly.

Minister Lee Jong-ho of the Ministry of Science and ICT is holding a press conference on the 2nd anniversary of his inauguration at a restaurant in Sejong City on the 8th. Photo by Ministry of Science and ICT

Minister Lee made this remark at a commemorative meeting held at a restaurant in Sejong City on the occasion of his second anniversary in office, confirming that the Ministry of Science and ICT will actively provide support to Naver.

Regarding Japan's administrative guidance on Line Yahoo, Minister Lee said, "We are continuously and closely consulting with Naver to guarantee Naver's decision-making to the greatest extent possible," adding, "Naver's position is important in this matter. Since the end of last year, the government has been continuously communicating and cooperating with Naver on this issue. While respecting Naver's intentions for the national interest and providing necessary assistance, we must be cautious as sudden statements from us could cause problems." Nevertheless, he emphasized that if there is a diplomatic dispute, active communication will be pursued.

Kang Do-hyun, 2nd Vice Minister of Science and ICT, also said, "We are in very close consultation with related ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We have frequently listened to Naver's position. We expect mentions from the Japanese side during the earnings announcements of Line Yahoo on the 8th afternoon and SoftBank on the 9th. The Ministry of Science and ICT will closely monitor the situation and strongly support Naver."

Minister Lee acknowledged the urgency of passing the ongoing bills such as the Device Distribution Act repeal, the AI Basic Act, the Corporate Research Institute Act, and the Regional Science and Technology Innovation Act, but noted that they have not been passed in the 21st National Assembly. He said, "Swift responses are needed for issues that concern the public, such as deep voice technology. I ask for much interest and cooperation so that necessary bills for the public can be prepared in a timely manner." Regarding the Device Distribution Act, he emphasized that it should benefit the public from a grand perspective and said that Ministry of Science and ICT staff will visit lawmakers' offices to explain and request cooperation. He described the failure to repeal the Device Distribution Act in this National Assembly as unfortunate and expressed a strong desire for its passage.

Minister Lee reflected on his two years in office, mentioning joyful moments such as the successful launches of Nuriho and Danuriho and the passage of the Space Aviation Agency Special Act, as well as crises like the fire at the Pangyo data center. He also admitted some regrets regarding communication with the science and technology community during the R&D budget efficiency process, and pledged to promptly execute the increased budget for new projects this year and significantly expand next year's budget.

Regarding the increase in the R&D budget, he refrained from giving specific figures but said, "We will change the budget support system and set research directions to be leading-edge, striving to make transparent, fair, and future-oriented budget execution tangible." He also explained that the evaluation system will be greatly improved, including mileage application for evaluators, to support institutional improvements. However, on public calls for a national audit concerning the R&D budget cuts, he expressed a personal opinion: "I am not sure if a national audit is appropriate. It would be reasonable to assess the impact on the science and technology research and development system over the next 3-4 years before making a judgment."

Minister Lee also said, "During the confirmation hearing, both ruling and opposition parties pointed out that despite increased research funds, there were no results. When I asked young researchers during field meetings if they had seen any unfairness in project planning, no one could answer. With the improvements and transparency in the system this time, there will be no justification for blindly cutting the budget," emphasizing this point.

Regarding concerns that the Fair Trade Commission's proposed platform company regulation law might only target domestic companies, Minister Lee said, "We understand the concerns that the Fair Trade Commission's measures might only affect domestic companies. Our basic stance is to implement self-regulation, monitor whether it is properly carried out, and impose regulations if it is not. We have also submitted our opinions to the Fair Trade Commission. It is necessary to confirm the Commission's stance."

Kang Do-hyun, 2nd Vice Minister, explained, "There are various opinions about the Fair Trade Commission's bill, but our position is self-regulation as stipulated in the national agenda. We have actively presented our opinions to the Fair Trade Commission. Our stance is firm."

Regarding the Fair Trade Commission's ongoing investigation into collusion over sales incentives among mobile carriers, Vice Minister Kang said, "It has been confirmed that there is some truth to it. We understand the industry's concerns. Although the main ministry in charge is the Korea Communications Commission, the Ministry of Science and ICT is also exchanging opinions with the Korea Communications Commission and the Fair Trade Commission."

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