Yoon Visits Academy of Sciences Where His Father Worked, Pledges "Guarantee Academic Freedom... Support Full Dedication to Research" (Comprehensive)

President Yoon Attends 70th Anniversary Ceremony of the Academy of Sciences
Late Father Yoon Ki-jung Also Served as an Honorary Member

President Yoon Suk-yeol is greeting attendees after the event at the 70th anniversary ceremony held on the 22nd at the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea in Seocho-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon Suk-yeol attended the 70th anniversary ceremony of the founding of the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Korea held in Seocho-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of the 22nd, emphasizing that he would spare no necessary support, saying, "We will create an innovative infrastructure where creative convergence talents can grow freely."

In his congratulatory speech, President Yoon said, "Each and every member of the Academy, including Chairman Lee Jang-moo, symbolizes the nation's great elders representing Korea's scholarship and dignity," adding, "Your dedication and efforts have propelled Korea to become the economic powerhouse and cultural strong nation it is today."

He pointed out, "Science and technology are rapidly advancing, and major countries around the world are fiercely competing for future leadership through technological hegemony," and warned, "Although we have done well so far, if we hesitate even for a moment, we will inevitably fall behind and be eliminated in the competition."

He continued, "We must strengthen the power of science, technology, and innovation to achieve a new leap forward," explaining, "Ultimately, the foundation of that power is scholarship and research. The government will further expand opportunities for global joint research and exchange cooperation with international academic institutions to secure advanced technologies and continuously develop scholarship."

President Yoon added, "We will faithfully guarantee academic freedom and spare no necessary support so that researchers can devote themselves to research in a stable environment," emphasizing, "To leap higher and greater, the foundation of our country's scholarship must be deep and solid."

Founded in 1954, the National Academy of Sciences is Korea's representative academic institution. It is composed of the country's top scholars with at least 20 years of experience, currently including 130 scholars as members.

On this day, President Yoon presented the Order of the Mugunghwa Medal to member Lee Sang-man (98, petrology), who made significant contributions to academic development, member Lim Hee-seop (87, sociology), the spouse of the late member Jang Seok-jin (linguistics), and the eldest son of the late member Kim Sang-joo (natural applications).

President Yoon Suk-yeol is awarding the Order of Civil Merit, Mugunghwa Medal, to member Lee Sang-man in the field of natural sciences at the 70th anniversary ceremony of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology held on the 22nd in Seocho-gu, Seoul. [Image source=Yonhap News]

After the commemorative ceremony, President Yoon met with Academy members, shaking hands and saying, "Please stay healthy, and we will support you well." He then had a conversation with Chairman Lee Jang-moo, former Prime Minister Lee Hyun-jae who previously held the chairman position, and former Korean Physical Society President Kwon Sook-il.

President Yoon's late father, Professor Yoon Ki-jung, Emeritus at Yonsei University, was also an Academy member during his lifetime. Chairman Lee showed President Yoon a photo from the 60th anniversary ceremony of the Academy hanging on the wall of the meeting room, pointing out his father's image.

Former Prime Minister Lee Hyun-jae expressed regret, saying, "The seat where the President is sitting now was always where my father sat during meetings," and added, "If he were alive, it would have been his turn to receive the medal today."

President Yoon responded, "I am so relieved that he is able to move around healthily," and said, "It was truly pleasant and grateful to see those who worked with my father at the ceremony."

When Chairman Lee said, "You must be having a hard time pushing forward medical reform, but the people earnestly desire it," President Yoon replied, "We have taken the first step in medical reform, but there is still much to do," adding, "We will make many institutional improvements and financial investments to support essential regional medical care."

Kim Soo-kyung, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, explained, "After the commemorative photo session, President Yoon bowed once again to greet the Academy members," and added, "Some Academy members who worked with his father also patted the President's back in encouragement."

Just before leaving the venue, President Yoon met and conversed with singer Lee Moon-se, who is the son-in-law of member Lee Sang-man, who received the Mugunghwa Medal that day.

About 150 people attended the ceremony, including Academy members, recipients of the Order of the Mugunghwa, and executives of the National Academy of Arts of Korea. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho, Presidential Office Policy Chief Sung Tae-yoon, Senior Secretary for Social Affairs Jang Sang-yoon, and Senior Secretary for Science and Technology Park Sang-wook also attended.

The Academy's founding anniversary ceremony has been held every ten years since 1994. Former President Park Geun-hye attended the 60th anniversary event held in May 2014.