SEOUL - The presidential office is considering a reorganization that includes establishing new positions for senior presidential secretaries focusing on science and environmental affairs. Sources on Monday indicated that under the proposed plan, offices for science and environment would be separated from the current economic and social affairs divisions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this move aligns with President Yoon Suk Yeol's commitment to investments in basic science and technological innovation. A presidential official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the reorganization is under internal consideration, but nothing has been finalized. The decision appears to be influenced by recent criticisms from the scientific community regarding the reduction in the research and development budget for 2024. The budget for this sector has been cut to approximately 25 trillion won (US$18.9 billion), marking its first decrease in eight years.