Minister Nominee for Ministry of Science and ICT Prepares for Confirmation Hearing
"Thorough Monitoring... Will Manage R&D Expenses"
Candidate for Minister of Science and ICT Yusang-im said on the 26th, "Negative terms like 'dividing up the pie' are rampant in the science and technology community, and hearing such words damages the pride of science and technology professionals."
On the same day, as he arrived at the hearing preparation office set up at Gwanghwamun Post Office in Seoul, Candidate Yu told reporters, "I plan to actively show how much the country's science and technology personnel have devoted themselves in their positions."
He emphasized, "Scientists have dedicated their lives to national research and development (R&D). It is strange that negative stories like 'dividing up the pie' come out when even personnel expenses cannot be freely allocated."
He added, "While such things may not be entirely absent, science and technology leaders have long been concerned about the reality where everyone is condemned due to some issues."
He continued, "Young people need to come to the science and technology community and be nurtured as talents who can save the country, but this is being completely blocked," stressing that he will focus on highlighting the dedication of science and technology personnel.
Regarding the term 'dividing up the pie,' he said he does not understand how such division would occur, but stated, "Basically, dividing up tax money is nonsense," and pledged to thoroughly monitor and take measures to prevent research funds from going to such places.
He said he will closely examine the entire national R&D budget and, through extensive communication including discussions with other ministries, will prioritize and determine the order of importance.
Meanwhile, concerning his eldest son's military service, Candidate Yu said, "I will say as much as I can during the hearing," but added, "Since children also have human rights, I cannot carelessly talk about it for my hearing, so I ask for understanding on that matter."
Regarding the issue of predatory conferences, he explained, "Since my child had never been abroad, I told him to look for conferences in the field of self-reflection. Even if he looked at the websites, he probably could not find them and could not have imagined it, but he was later warned."
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