Science and technology professionals and information, broadcasting and communications workers gathered to mark the new year of Byeong-o. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok and Deputy Prime Minister Bae Kyung-hoon, who also serves as minister of science and ICT, attended along with many figures from academia, research and industry.

The Ministry of Science and ICT held the "2026 New Year reception for science and technology and information, broadcasting and communications professionals" on Tuesday at the Korea Science and Technology Center. The event was co-hosted by the Federation of Korean Science and Technology Societies and the Korea Information, Broadcasting and Communications Association, and was attended by about 600 people from the science and technology and information, broadcasting and communications sectors.

This year’s reception was held under the theme, "A major leap forward for South Korea opened by science and technology and AI." It featured an address by the prime minister, New Year pledges and a congratulatory performance. Unlike previous years, it drew attention by introducing a public-participation program.

In his address, Kim said the government had made clear once again in 2026 that science and technology and digital innovation are at the core of national competitiveness by allocating the largest-ever research and development budget and an AI budget. He called on science and technology and artificial intelligence to play a central role in making people’s lives safe and prosperous.

He added that South Korea’s major leap forward is a process created together with the public, led by science and technology professionals and ICT workers. He said he hoped each person would achieve greater challenges and results in their own role in the new year of Byeong-o.

The event also included a "public communication" session in which experts responded on site based on messages of hope submitted in advance by members of the public. A congratulatory performance featured the hearing-impaired group Big Ocean, which took the stage to convey the meaning of challenge and overcoming through science and technology.

Bae said 2026 would be the first year of a leap to a bigger and stronger South Korea through the power of science and technology and ICT. He said he would do his best to bring together the capabilities of all ministries so the country can stand firmly as a science and technology powerhouse that no one can rival.