On the 28th, President Lee Jae-myung mentioned Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is set for the largest-ever listing in the space and aviation sector, and said, "I hope to significantly strengthen public-private cooperation so that a 'Korean version of SpaceX' can be born, and to foster the southern region, including South Gyeongsang and South Jeolla, which have key infrastructure, into a comprehensive space and aviation belt."
In the afternoon, at Cheong Wa Dae, President Lee presided over a meeting of senior secretaries and aides and said, "To move forward as a global aerospace power, we must quickly secure world-class technological capabilities across related fields such as launch vehicles, satellites, and ground equipment through bold research and development investment."
President Lee said, "Aerospace is a future core strategic industry that encompasses cutting-edge science and technology such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, communications, materials, and precision instruments. Its growth potential is very large, and it is an area that countries around the world are interested in," adding, "It is a reality that not only major countries but even private corporations like SpaceX are waging an all-out campaign to seize the lead in the industry."
He went on to note, "Despite a late start, we are achieving considerable results, including the successful launch of the Korean launch vehicle 'Nuri 4' prepared jointly by the public and private sectors on the 12th," and pledged active support at the government level.
He also said the government would speed up the development of "civilian aircraft" tailored to civilian purposes such as private transport. President Lee said, "Based on the technology acquired during the development of KF-21 (Korean supersonic fighter), it would be good to accelerate the development of a dual-use advanced engine for both military and civilian applications and push ahead with the development of civilian aircraft," adding, "We will actively support aerospace so that it becomes a new foothold for our economy and security."