Lawmaker-turned-N. Korean defector vows support for scientists

Park Choong-kwon

Park Choong-kwon, a North Korean defector and elected member of South Korea’s 22nd National Assembly, has pledged to support scientists and engineers throughout his term.

“A defector who crossed the Tumen River barefoot fifteen years ago has become a member of the National Assembly representing the people thanks to the help of many people in South Korea,” Park said, reflecting on his journey in an interview with Maeil Business Newspaper at the National Assembly last week.

Park stressed his intention to “repay” the help he received by improving the working conditions of scientists and engineers during his term in office.

Park was elected as a member of People Future Party, a satellite party of the ruling People Power Party, in the latest national lawmaker election.

Born in 1986, Park graduated from the department of chemical materials engineering at North Korea‘s National Defense University and worked as an engineer involved in nuclear and missile development.

After his arrival in South Korea, he obtained master’s and doctoral degrees in Materials Engineering from Seoul National University and served as a research engineer at Hyundai Steel Co.

Park holds the distinction of being the sole North Korean defector and the lone young science and technology expert in the 22nd National Assembly.

Park has already begun his legislative duties, preparing to propose a comprehensive revision of laws to strengthen support for the science and engineering sector.

His draft proposal includes a number of support measures, including initiatives to support outstanding scientists with intellectual property rights, expand support for the Korea Scientists & Engineers Mutual-aid Association (SEMA), and promote deep science entrepreneurship.

Addressing concerns about researchers‘ perceived lack of adequate compensation for their contributions, Park reiterated his intention to “actively consider the granting of intellectual property rights,” with the aim of introducing substantial incentives as compensation for intellectual property and research and development efforts.

Park’s plan further includes reducing SEMA membership rates and restrictions while expanding support, with the aim of alleviating researchers‘ post-retirement worries and instigating policies that foster a sense of pride among science and technology professionals in their vocation.

He also plans to expand stipends for young science and technology professionals, designed to provide financial support to graduate students in science and engineering participating in national R&D projects. This year, 120 graduate students have been selected as beneficiaries of this stipend for the first time.