Gu Hyuk-chae (구혁채), first vice minister at the Ministry of Science and ICT, attended the "2026 Science Elders Association New Year gathering" held on Thursday at the Korea Science and Technology Center and exchanged views with senior figures in the science and technology community on developing national science and technology.

The Science Elders Association is an incorporated association founded by retired scientists and engineers from science and technology-related institutions, including the public sector, research, education and industry. About 90 senior figures in the science and technology community attended the New Year gathering, including former ministers and vice ministers from ministries in charge of science and technology.

The event took place in the following order: an award ceremony for this year's science and technology civil servant award, New Year greetings from Choi Seok-sik (최석식), the association's chairman, and Gu, a celebratory cake-cutting, a dinner and well-wishes.

Gu said he was deeply grateful for the dedication of senior scientists and engineers who built the country into a science and technology powerhouse from barren ground, as shown by the 60th anniversary of the establishment of KIST and the Korea Federation of Science and Technology Societies. He also asked for candid advice so the government can move forward with a heavy sense of responsibility as it faces a major turning point, including the launch of a deputy prime minister system.