1st-slot lawmakers in stark difference

Top scientist pledges service

By Park Si-soo

Female nuclear scientist Min Byung-joo has become a lawmaker for the ruling Saenuri Party under the proportional representation system. The 53-year-old was given the first slot in the ruling party’s 46-candidate lineup, indicating that her election has been predestined.

The party’s decision reflects its strong attention to the science world as well as efforts to make scientists’ voice better resonate in the political arena, observers said. She currently serves as a senior researcher at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and will join the 19th National Assembly, which starts on May 30 for a four-year term.

Min said her policies will focus on creating more well-paying jobs for young scientists and establishing better welfare programs for female scientists.

“I will talk with companies a lot about how to create good jobs for talented scientists and engineers,” Min said.

Noting that many talented female scientists have quit their job to take care of their children, she said she will try hard to improve the working environment where female scientists can engross themselves in research and studies without worrying about childcare.

She blamed the country’s relatively low recognition of scientists and engineers on the government’s “inconsistent” policies.

“Policies on science should be carried out consistently regardless of leadership change. But it’s not the case in Korea,” she complained. “Every new leader pushes forward with new ideas that overhaul policies established by their predecessor, making it extremely difficult for scientists and engineers to predict the future of their careers.”

The zigzag policy has led many young, talented scientists to flee to medical school in pursuit of well-recognized and high-salaried jobs in the medical industry, posing a threat to the country’s high-tech driven growth engine.

“I feel burdened,” the novice lawmaker-in-waiting said. “I will work hard to be recognized by the general public as a creditable politician who keeps all commitments I made. Also I will work with an attitude that serves all citizens.”