The Korea Science Journalists Association noted on the 26th that it will host a discussion titled "Debate on Scientific and Health Policy Proposals of Candidates in the 21st Presidential Election" in collaboration with the National Union, inviting key personnel from the election campaign committees of major political parties. The debate will take place on the 28th at 2 p.m. at the conference room 2 of the Korea Science and Technology Center in Gangnam, Seoul.
One week before the 21st presidential election, this debate will feature key personnel responsible for the science and health sectors from the election campaign committees of the Democratic Party of Korea, People Power Party, and Reform Party, who will explain the core pledges of the presidential candidates and engage in discussions with journalists and related experts.
The first session, focusing on the institutional sector of science and AI, will feature Hwang Jeong-a, chairperson of the scientific and technological innovation committee (member of the National Assembly) for the Democratic Party of Korea; Choi Hyung-du, deputy chairperson of the campaign committee and head of the G3 Leap AI Science Headquarters (member of the National Assembly) for the People Power Party; and Jo Yong-min, co-chairperson of the campaign committee for the Reform Party, who will present the candidates' policies on science and AI.
The second session will cover the institutional sector health policy proposals. Kang Cheong-hee, chairperson of the health and medical special committee for the Democratic Party of Korea; Kim Seon-jeong, director general of health and welfare (professor at Soonchunhyang University) for the People Power Party; and Lee Joo-young, co-chairperson of the campaign committee for the Reform Party will present each party's pledges.
After the panel discussion, there will be a comprehensive discussion session where journalists on site and attendees can ask questions and share opinions.
Lee Eun-jung, president of the Korea Science Journalists Association, stated, "Despite the urgent and important R&D budget cuts in the science community and conflicts in the medical sector, these issues are not being adequately addressed in the early presidential election being hastily held due to the impeachment situation." She added, "As a prominent media organization representing the science and medical communities, we felt a sense of mission to prepare this debate to verify the pledges of the major political parties' presidential candidates."
Participation on site will be available on the day of the debate, which will also be live-streamed from 2 p.m. on that day through the YouTube channels of the Korea Science Journalists Association, KBS, MBC, SBS, and YTN.