"R&D Budget Will Be Processed First, Reviewed After Taking Office"
"No Issues with Real Estate... Purchase Was for Actual Residence"
Bae Kyunghoon, the nominee for Minister of Science and ICT, stated regarding the failed bidding for the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Computing Center, "We need to come up with a plan that allows the private sector to operate it effectively." On the morning of June 30, while on his way to the personnel hearing preparation office set up at Gwanghwamun Post Office in Seoul, Bae told reporters, "I have not yet looked deeply into the matter, but I will listen carefully to the private sector and come up with the optimal solution." While not ruling out the possibility of restructuring the project, he indicated that the focus would be on strengthening incentives for private sector participation.
The National AI Computing Center is a core infrastructure project being promoted by the government to secure large-scale AI computing resources. However, due to structural limitations and burdens associated with the private sector-led model, the project has failed in two consecutive bids and is effectively stalled. The industry has consistently called for changes in the equity structure, increased public sector participation, and the relaxation of business conditions.
On the same day, Bae also commented on the government's announcement of the investigation results regarding the SK Telecom hacking incident. He said, "The joint public-private investigation team has completed its investigation, and I understand that response measures are currently being organized based on the findings. I expect the announcement to be made within this week."
Regarding the 2026 research and development (R&D) budget review by the Science and Technology Advisory Council scheduled for that day, he said, "Since the review must be completed through the Science and Technology Advisory Council by June 30, it seems this proposal will be approved. After taking office, I will additionally review any new areas that need to be examined."
On the issue of working hours for R&D personnel, he stated, "I have not yet given it deep thought," but added, "There are companies that achieve sufficient productivity within the 52-hour workweek, but there are differences by sector. It is appropriate to review this after my appointment." Some companies and research sites are calling for more flexible application of the 52-hour workweek system.
Regarding media reports that a plan to separate the functions of science and technology policy from information and communications policy has been reported to the National Planning Committee, he said, "It is still under discussion," and added, "Since AI exists on the foundation of both science and technology and information and communications, the direction will be set to achieve maximum effectiveness within an organic structure."
When asked about media reports that he purchased a house worth around 4 billion won in Seocho-gu, Seoul, with a mortgage before the current administration implemented strict lending regulations in the Seoul metropolitan area, Bae dismissed the controversy, saying, "I do not think there is any problem at all." He explained, "I sold the house I had lived in for over 10 years for actual residence purposes, and since it was time to move, I purchased a new house. The move was not based on any insider information."
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