[Reporter’s Notebook] "Babo, the Problem Is Science and Technology"

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-su] Science and technology are determining the fate of nations and peoples. In this era of great transformation, it is a moment of life and death. As the 4th Industrial Revolution gains momentum, industries are being drastically reshaped by metaverse, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, and more. Competition for technological supremacy is intensifying, and the development of carbon-neutral technologies is urgently needed. South Korea also experienced the SoBuJang (Materials, Parts, and Equipment) crisis two years ago. The survival of the nation, including its economy, diplomacy, and security, depends on science and technology.

This is why major countries like the United States are responding swiftly. South Korea is also holding its 20th presidential election. It is time to prepare visions and alternatives for science and technology for the future. However, the atmosphere is strange. Presidential candidates are stuck in old ways and lukewarm. They propose appealing pledges such as establishing a ‘Minister of Science and Technology’ position, but their sincerity is not felt. Recently, at a science and technology policy debate hosted by 20 scientific organizations including KAIST, candidates from major parties such as the Democratic Party, People Power Party, and Justice Party either did not attend or sent representatives. On the 20th, the debate hosted by Won Hee-ryong, head of policy for the People Power Party, was disrupted, with the first panel discussion canceled due to ‘time constraints.’

There are also behaviors that seem far removed from ‘science and technology’ regardless of party. The People Power Party candidate Yoon Seok-youl’s camp was embroiled in controversy over the unexpected participation of a ‘shaman.’ Democratic Party candidate Lee Jae-myung boasts that he received praise as a ‘candidate chosen by heaven’ from the Eastern philosopher Kim Yong-ok (Do-ol). Candidate Ahn Cheol-soo promotes that after ‘three visits and three calls,’ he recruited Choi Jin-seok, an honorary professor at Sogang University with a doctorate in Taoist philosophy from Peking University, as a co-chairman of his campaign. However, there is no word that science and technology experts have been given important roles in any campaign headquarters.

The era when land, resources, and population determined national power has passed, and the age of science and technology has arrived, presenting South Korea with a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunity. Above all, science and technology must be placed at the center of national governance. And ‘people’ must be nurtured. The United States grants long-term visas to scientists and technologists, attracting talent from around the world. Even now, each presidential candidate should sincerely communicate about the pressing issues and visions in the science and technology sector.