Lee Jaemyung Vows to Correct 'Regressive R&D Budget'...Direct Criticism of Yoon Administration

Facebook Message on 'Science and Technology Day'

On April 21, in recognition of 'Science and Technology Day,' former Democratic Party leader and current presidential pre-candidate Jae Myung Lee stated, "We must correct the regressive stance on research and development (R&D) budgets and restore the collapsed research ecosystem." This statement is seen as a direct criticism of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's large-scale R&D budget cuts, while also aiming to reassure the scientific and technological community.

Former Democratic Party leader Jae Myung Lee (right in the photo), who is running in the Democratic Party presidential primary, visited Puriosa AI in Gangnam-gu, Seoul on the 14th and examined the Puriosa AI NPU. Photo by the National Assembly Press Photographers Group

On the morning of the same day, Lee wrote on Facebook, "When science and technology were respected and scientists were treated well, the nation prospered; when they were not, the country fell behind," expressing these views.

He added, "Even during the dark days of Japanese colonial rule, our predecessors established 'Science Day' and dreamed of becoming a strong scientific nation," and continued, "Their foresight in recognizing the importance of science and technology and preparing for the future, even under colonial oppression, commands deep respect."

He went on to say, "We are living in an era where technological supremacy determines the rise and fall of nations," and pledged, "I will build a Republic of Korea that leads the world with advanced science and technology."

In particular, he promised to focus on developing future national strategic technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, secondary batteries, bio and vaccines, hydrogen, and future vehicles, and to significantly increase the science and technology R&D budget. He emphasized, "The budget serves as a compass indicating the direction a nation should take," and pointed out, "This year, the R&D budget accounts for only 4.4% of total government spending. To make Korea a powerhouse in science and technology, much bolder investment is needed."

Regarding the outflow of STEM talent and the deterioration of research environments, he pledged, "I will fully support improving the treatment of STEM students and postdoctoral researchers," and stressed the need to 'restore researcher-centered autonomy.' He also pledged to 'strengthen regional research hubs' and 'establish a regional autonomous R&D system.'

Lee's strong commitment to supporting the scientific and technological community stands in stark contrast to the Yoon administration, which last year slashed the R&D budget by approximately 16% compared to the previous year, triggering collective backlash from the scientific community. The Public Science and Technology Research Labor Union recently criticized the Yoon administration's R&D budget cuts, stating, "As demonstrated by the 5.2 trillion won reduction in the R&D budget, the Yoon Suk-yeol administration has made and implemented major policy decisions in a unilateral and violent manner, without any communication with the scientific and technological field," and added, "Research projects and programs have been suspended or severely disrupted, leading to a widespread sense of helplessness and self-doubt among researchers."