The Korea Space Agency announced plans to establish a permanent secretariat for the National Space Committee and to appoint the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology as a co-chair.
Oh Tae-seok, head of the Korea Space Agency, stated during a National Assembly audit on October 13 in Yeouido, Seoul, "I believe the current support organization is significantly weaker compared to the role of the National Space Committee. Currently, three people are supporting the committee on a temporary basis, and we need a permanent secretariat like other committees."
On the same day, Democratic Party lawmaker Lee Joo-hee pointed out the lack of inter-agency coordination within the National Space Committee. She noted, "The support staff consists of just three members: one section chief, one administrative officer, and one staff member. Although two more are expected to be added next year, this is insufficient to support inter-agency coordination effectively."
It was also revealed that 11 out of 12 agenda items discussed by the National Space Committee were handled without the attendance of minister-level government members. In some meetings, officials of lower rank attended in place of deputy ministers. Lee emphasized, "There is a need for substantial participation from government members."
In response, Oh stated, "We have begun discussions with relevant ministries, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety," and added, "We are also working on a plan to appoint the Deputy Minister of Science and Technology as a co-chair in the position currently held by a civilian. This will allow us to operate the committee in a co-chair system, ensuring participation from heads and deputy heads of various ministries, even when the President is not presiding over the meetings."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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