Assistant to Lee Gong-ju Reveals Thoughts Before Leaving Blue House... "Virus Research Institute, Departments Are Gathering and Consulting"
[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Jeong-min] Lee Gong-ju, Science and Technology Advisor to the Blue House, announced on the 20th plans to promote a national-level virus research institute amid the rising concern over the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).
At a meeting with Blue House reporters on the 20th, Advisor Lee said, "When an infectious disease comes, we have a very well-established system to manage, quarantine, and prevent it," adding, "We are preparing because I think it would be great to have a virus research institute that continuously studies and prepares in advance on how to solve problems. I believe it will be well organized when the next person takes over."
Advisor Lee explained, "In fact, before African Swine Fever (ASF) came to our country last year, the President repeatedly asked in meetings, 'ASF has come to China, so what should we prepare?' I often thought that we should have a national virus system in a research institute, but since we did not have such a system, I was very concerned."
Lee, a former professor at Ewha Womans University, recently expressed her intention to return to academia and tendered her resignation. Her visit to the Blue House Press Hall that day was intended as a briefing to wrap up her activities as Science and Technology Advisor.
Regarding the preparation status of the national virus research institute, Advisor Lee said, "The national necessity has been extensively studied. Specifically, within the government and national system, we are discussing among ministries how to best establish it. Virus research includes animals like ASF, humans like COVID-19, and in some cases zoonotic diseases, so we are consulting on the best system to create."
Meanwhile, reflecting on her past activities, Advisor Lee evaluated, "The issue of Japan's export restrictions arose, yet there was significant progress in networks and artificial intelligence (AI) fields."
She added, "The Data 3 Act has also passed, which will activate related industries. The government has been preparing a large-scale strategy for building a 'digital government' and revitalizing digital media since last fall. The results will be announced as a national strategy in a month or two."
Regarding social conflicts surrounding the vehicle-sharing service 'Tada,' Advisor Lee said, "I hope society becomes one where people not only listen to others but also persuade and can be persuaded. This is especially important in the technology sector."
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