K-Moonshot Faces First Major Test... Overhaul of PD Selection Amid AI Scientist Vacancy

Shortage of AI Experts and Conflict of Interest Issues Emerge Simultaneously

A Critical Juncture for the Success of the Korean-Style DARPA

The government is considering changes to the selection process for the overall project director (PD) who will lead the "K-Moonshot" project, which is aimed at solving national challenges. This scrutiny follows the recent resignation of Minhyung Lee, CEO of Astheromorph, who had been appointed as PD for the AI scientist field, resulting in controversy over the vetting of PD appointments and conflicts of interest.

The K-Moonshot is a mission-oriented research and development (R&D) project aimed at solving challenges in national strategic technology fields such as AI, quantum technology, and semiconductors. It is modeled after the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), serving as a "Korean DARPA" model. The photo shows the exterior of DARPA. Photo by DARPA

On June 18, the Ministry of Science and ICT announced that instead of immediately appointing a successor to the vacant AI scientist PD position, it is considering having the head of the National AI Science Research Center (NAIS) concurrently serve as the PD for the "AI Scientist" mission. At the same time, the ministry plans to comprehensively review the open recruitment process for PDs, verification procedures, and conflict of interest management standards for the project. Industry observers have noted that, rather than simple open recruitment, methods such as a recommendation committee or multi-step verification procedures may be considered.

Currently, K-Moonshot PDs serve as part-time expert advisors while also maintaining their existing work and businesses. If appointed as special researchers, they become subject to the Conflict of Interest Prevention Act and the Public Officials Ethics Act, which would require them to give up their main occupation. It has been reported that CEO Lee was initially informed that holding dual positions would be possible and sought approval from investors for his role as PD, but ultimately faced a situation where he had to choose only one, leading him to relinquish the PD post. There has been some speculation that the government might allow K-Moonshot PDs to work part-time, but the Ministry of Science and ICT dismissed this, stating, "K-Moonshot PDs will continue to be appointed as special researchers, and part-time work will not be permitted in order to ensure full commitment to their duties."

The K-Moonshot is a mission-oriented research and development (R&D) project aimed at solving challenges in national strategic technology fields such as AI, quantum technology, and semiconductors. It is referred to as a "Korean DARPA" model, having been benchmarked against the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Within the K-Moonshot project, PDs act as key leaders responsible for setting research directions and assembling research teams. DARPA in the U.S. also regards the selection of PDs as critical to the success of its projects. The problem is that recruiting world-class technology experts for public projects in Korea is more difficult than anticipated. CEOs of corporations or startup founders may face conflict of interest issues, while university professors or researchers at research institutes are often considered to lack experience in commercializing technology in the private sector. Recruiting leading foreign scholars is also a practical challenge.

Within the science and technology community, this situation is seen as exposing the structural limitations of the K-Moonshot project, beyond merely questioning the qualifications of a particular individual. While the intent to grant significant authority to experts is positive, the necessary verification systems and conflict-of-interest management mechanisms are deemed insufficient.

As the K-Moonshot pursues an expert-centered, mission-oriented R&D system, the outcome of the PD system overhaul is expected to have an impact on the future operation of national strategic technology R&D. A representative from the science and technology community commented, "This controversy is not an issue with a specific PD, but rather the first practical challenge Korea has encountered in transitioning to a mission-oriented R&D system," and added, "It is essential to design a system that ensures both public interest and transparency while recruiting world-class experts."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.