[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Hye-sun] The exclusion of the Ministry of Science and ICT from the announcement of vice minister appointments in the Yoon Seok-yeol administration has caused unrest within the ministry. While it is interpreted as an intention to prevent disruptions in state affairs by appointing highly skilled vice ministers primarily in ministries where the ministerial candidate selection process is delayed, it is puzzling that the administration has not appointed a vice minister for a key ministry responsible for realizing the core value of the Yoon government: a strong science and technology nation.
On the 9th, President Yoon Seok-yeol announced the appointment results of 20 vice ministers for the first cabinet of the new government. Ministries without announced vice minister appointments include the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Inside the Ministry of Science and ICT, there is an unusual reaction to the lack of vice minister announcements despite the confirmation of the hearing report for Minister candidate Lee Jong-ho. An insider from the Ministry of Science and ICT stated, "It is understood that the appointment was delayed due to complications in the personnel verification process," adding, "There are talks that a groundbreaking appointment breaking the traditional civil service examination seniority will be made for the second vice minister position."
Since the Yoon administration, which advocates a "government that works well," has emphasized the selection of talent based on expertise, there is criticism that the Ministry of Science and ICT is uniquely excluded from the trend of promoting internal talent within ministries. It is known that a specially recruited director-level official has been nominated for the second vice minister position. For the head of the Science and Technology Innovation Bureau (vice minister level) within the Ministry of Science and ICT, a specific external candidate has reportedly been selected.
A restless atmosphere is sensed among the senior officials within the Ministry of Science and ICT. This is because the possibility of an unexpected breaking of civil service examination seniority and skipping of hierarchical positions is increasing simultaneously. In the public service community, where seniority is highly valued, it is customary for senior officials to resign when their juniors are promoted.
Some voices suggest that the Yoon administration not only lacks understanding of science but also harbors high distrust toward the Ministry of Science and ICT. Among the six secretaries under the Chief Presidential Secretary for Economic Affairs, only the Science and Technology Secretary is a university professor rather than a bureaucrat from the ministry. There are also complaints that the recent vice minister appointments exclude bureaucrats who have long protected the Ministry of Science and ICT and possess expertise.
An official pointed out, "As the role of the Ministry of Science and ICT grows and becomes more important, it is crucial for the government to build trust and cooperation with talented experts from the ministry," adding, "Since the Ministry of Science and ICT is not currently involved in any incidents requiring internal or external messaging, it is questionable what the intention is behind making personnel changes that shake the internal structure."
The presidential office stated that additional announcements regarding vice minister appointments are expected on the afternoon of the 10th or during the 11th.
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