Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho speaks during a press conference with a group of reporters in Sejong. Courtesy of Ministry of Science and ICT

By Lee Kyung-min

Minister of Science and ICT Lee Jong-ho expressed hope that an internal dispute over the organizational restructuring of Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI), the developer of the Nuri space rocket or KSLV-II, would be resolved soon. Nuri is a three-stage launch vehicle, and the second rocket after Naro-1.

Whether six senior KARI researchers, including Ko Jeong-hwan, head of KARI's Korea Space Launch Vehicle II R&D directorate, who offered to resign, would return to work with full commitment remains to be seen. Observers say this is an unlikely scenario since the government has yet to revise early plans to split the 243-strong department overseeing the launch vehicle to one led by Ko left with five non-research officials.

"The recent offer of resignation was a process that came from academic integrity and pride in technological research as a scientist," Lee said during a press conference with a group of reporters at the Sejong administrative city, Monday.

"I hope the figures who led the success of Korea's space programs would continue discussions within KARI and the ministry for the greater good and objectives. The government will provide consultation if need be," he added.

Not every decision leads to an agreement, especially when it concerns government policy directives, a reason why Lee called for an open mindset seeking a common ground.

"Ko will not altogether leave KARI and serve as key researcher. I hope he will continue to take senior positions within the state-run research institute to fortify the country's science and ICT capabilities."

Meanwhile, the leadership of the envisioned government organization, which Korea seeks to establish as the Korean version of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), will be filled with figures with a deep understanding of scientific and aerospace programs as well as administrative management expertise, he added.

The organization separate from KARI will be launched next year, a campaign pledge of President Yoon Suk-yeol. The launch will be overseen by the interior, industry, finance, defense ministries.

How effectively the ministry manages conflicts over the makeup of the organization will determine the success of Korea's ability to establish space programs, aeronautics and space research projects similar to NASA.

"The envisioned entity will need someone with an equal priority on science and administrative directives," Lee said.