[Reporter’s Notebook] Korea Reported as Unattractive to Scientists

Current System Hinders Foreign Talent Settlement
Visa Barriers Remain Despite Warm Welcome to Vietnamese
Expanded Support and Changes in Organizational Culture Needed

On August 12, former Samsung Electronics President Kyung Kyehyun delivered a strong rebuke at a meeting convened to devise measures for preventing and attracting science and technology talent, declaring, "Korea holds no appeal for scientists." From the very first meeting aimed at curbing the outflow of Korean scientific talent overseas, he spoke at length, raising the level of warning.

As he spoke, the atmosphere among the attendees grew solemn. Kyung, who led Samsung Electronics in its competition against global rivals like TSMC, made it clear that it is no longer possible to prevent talent outflow simply by appealing to patriotism or by offering a few additional benefits. His remarks reflect a growing recognition of this reality.

There is a notable case that extends from this discussion: the Vietnam-Korea Institute of Science and Technology (V-KIST). VKIST is an educational and research institution established with support from Korea, modeled after the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST). KIST itself was created through U.S. foreign aid at Korea's request. Later, it gave rise to KAIST, which played a pivotal role in advancing Korea's science, technology, and economic development.

At the entrance of the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), there is a signboard indicating that U.S. aid was the starting point. Photo by Baek Jongmin, Tech Specialist

Coincidentally, Nguyen Phu Trong, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is making an official visit to Korea. This is the first state visit since President Lee Jaemyung took office. While economic cooperation is important, this visit should also serve as an opportunity to invest in Vietnam's research infrastructure, strategically recruit talent nurtured through that foundation to Korea, and create an environment where they can take root.

Baek Kyunghoon, Minister of Science and ICT, also emphasized, "Vietnam is a partner with whom we will usher in an era of prosperity led by science, technology, and innovation." The solution for securing talent is clear. First, Korea must diversify the channels for attracting foreign talent and expand study abroad, training, and joint research programs. For those who come to Korea, support for visas and settlement, as well as improvements to housing and educational environments, must follow so that they can stay long-term and achieve results. Vietnam, a country that the Korean government and companies value highly, currently does not allow visa-free entry to Korea.

It is also necessary to flexibly adapt corporate culture, working conditions, and academic research environments to meet global standards. High-pressure relationships and rigid organizational cultures are additional factors that make it difficult for talent to settle. A researcher who recently earned a doctorate told this reporter that money was not the only reason for seeking employment overseas. He pointed out, "It is because overseas work environments allow for remote work and respect for privacy, which appeals to the MZ generation (Millennials and Generation Z)."

Foreign talent who have been recruited with great effort are likely to feel the same way. Preventing talent outflow is not about building walls, but about building bridges. If Korea wishes to maintain its status as a science and technology powerhouse, it must demonstrate openness and inclusiveness that value talent for their abilities and dreams, regardless of nationality. If the Vietnamese party leader's visit to Korea can serve as the starting point for building such bridges, Korea may be able to turn the current talent crisis into an opportunity.