On April 10, 2022, President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol announced eight Cabinet nominees.  Jong-Ho Lee, a Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Seoul National University (“SNU”), was nominated as the new Minister of Science and ICT (“MSIT”).  He will be appointed once he is confirmed in the National Assembly’s nomination hearing, which is expected to be held in the coming weeks.

Professor Lee holds a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from SNU, is an expert in 3D Bulk fin field effect transistors (“FinFET”), 3D NAND Flash Memory, Neuromorphic Technology etc., is the author of over 500 publications, and is the inventor on over 80 patents worldwide.  One of his notable patents is related to 3D Bulk FinFET, which he developed in 2001 in collaboration with Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). 3D Bulk FinFET is a three-dimensional transistor technology used in smartphones and tablet computers to reduce energy consumption and improve performance.

A world-renowned expert in the field, Professor Lee (i) is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the world’s largest technical professional organization for the advancement of technology, (ii) has served as the head of the Inter-university Semiconductor Research Center at SNU which is focusing on developing AI semiconductor, (iii) is a member of the MSIT’s Materials and Parts Technology Committee and AI and Software Committee, and (iv) is widely known as the opinion leader in Korea’s semiconductor industry, with many of his current and former colleagues holding senior and management positions in both private and public sectors.

When asked about his plans, Professor Lee said he will do his best to promote the MSIT’s future-oriented mission, and proposed the following policy directions:

• Operate a joint private- and public-sector committee to drive private sector participation in devising technology and digital-related policies for innovative growth;

• Increase support for scientists and technicians to focus on fundamental science, and improve R&D environment to attract and cultivate top talent; and

• Promote new and emerging digital industries such as AI and metaverse to create quality jobs related to digital transformation, while enhancing cybersecurity.

While the MSIT’s key functions relate not only to science and technology but also other areas such as Internet platforms and media content, Professor Lee is yet to comment on them.  Further, in view of his background and expertise, there is a high possibility that he may substantially rely on the Vice Minister in charge of TMT on TMT regulation issues.