[Initial Insight] The Challenge 'Ojingeo Game' Poses to the Korean Scientific Community

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Last year and this year will remain monumental years in the Korean cultural scene. Korean cultural content such as the movie Parasite and the drama Squid Game conquered the world. Foreign media liken the popularity of Hallyu to an "invasion" and are keenly analyzing its causes. The Korean government’s principle of "providing support but not interference," along with a mature society characterized by high educational enthusiasm, democratization, and economic development that guarantees creative freedom, are mainly cited as reasons for the popularity of Hallyu content.

Turning to the science and technology sector, the announcement of this year’s Nobel science award winners was made earlier this month, but Korea did not receive any. Compared to neighboring Japan, which has grown distant due to the materials, parts, and equipment (SoBuJang) dispute and added one more laureate (totaling 25), Korea’s outcome is quite disappointing. There is much debate about causes and countermeasures, but for decades, only repetitive discussions have emerged. Korea’s basic science level is still insufficient, requiring "time for accumulation," and government support for stable and long-term research remains lacking. There are also criticisms that the authoritative research culture stifles young scientists’ challenging and creative research culture. Complaints about education policies and talent shortages, such as "all the good students go to medical schools," are also voiced.

All these points are valid. The entire Korean society, especially the government and the science and technology sector, must come together to discuss countermeasures. Korea has recently risen to the ranks of a "major country" leading the world, as seen in the Squid Game craze. It is considered a so-called "developed country." Science and technology underpin and sustain this status. Until now, Korea has succeeded by quickly catching up, following the answers laid out by existing countries based on their experiences in culture, science and technology, industry, politics, and society. However, from now on, Korea must become a country that provides answers to the question "why." Winning a Nobel science award is an important task as it is one of the measures of this.

The problem is that Korea is still comfortable as a fast follower but feels awkward in the role of a first mover leading the way. Compared to countries that have developed and applied technology and scholarship from the start based on necessity and experience, Korea has been busy blindly adopting and following. Strengthening basic science is essential, but Korea has yet to become a society that can gather public opinion and provide answers through more careful discussions about the future and values of our society. Consider Germany, which coined the term "Industry 4.0" (Industry 4.0 White Paper). Germany simultaneously conducted two years of social discussions and drafted a "Labor 4.0" green paper. It gathered consensus on how to respond to social changes brought by technological development and prepared various social actors to respond accordingly. However, Korea has only borrowed the term "4th Industrial Revolution" and talks only about industrial and technological countermeasures, leaving "people" out of the conversation.

The greatest concern is complacency. Korea is actually a country passionate about science and technology research and development (R&D) more than anyone else. The R&D expenditure ratio to gross domestic product (GDP) is over 4%, and the government R&D budget has surpassed 30 trillion won, ranking among the world’s highest levels. Yet, a strange ecosystem has formed. Politicians, bureaucrats, and scientists exchange favors and coexist complacently, merely showing off while ultimately wasting the budget. The government’s R&D project success rate of over 98% is a representative example. This means that difficult research, research with a possibility of failure, and challenging research are not conducted; only research with a high probability of success is pursued.

Moreover, it is said that most R&D proposals written in Korea include "advanced overseas cases" in their formats. This means they intend to simply follow the paths others have already taken. So how can the "most important discoveries" favored by the Nobel science awards be possible? Reflecting on the cultural sector’s success, first, the government should provide support but not interfere. Just as the Squid Game script, rejected by everyone 10 years ago, became a huge hit, let’s guarantee scientists’ "creative freedom" even for the most "bizarre" ideas. Then, it will only be a matter of time before an "R&D Parasite or Squid Game" emerges.