Recently, Lee Tae-sik, chairman of the Korea Science and Technology Organizations Association, who was found to have committed various irregularities in the comprehensive audit results of the Ministry of Science and ICT, voluntarily resigned from his position on the 21st.
In a message made public to the media that day, the chairman stated, "Today, July 21, I wish to express my intention to voluntarily resign from the presidency of the KOSTA," officially revealing his intention to step down. He explained, "I take the recent controversies and circumstances seriously and, after deep consideration prioritizing the honor of the KOSTA and the stability of the organization, I decided to resign from my position. This decision comes from a desire for the KOSTA to move in a healthier direction, regardless of my personal advantages or disadvantages."
He said, "While I am leaving the organization, I sincerely hope that the science and technology community and the KOSTA will continue to communicate with the public and develop into a forum that presents the vision for Korea's future."
This resignation was decided after the announcement of the audit results from the Ministry of Science and ICT. The audit revealed that the chairman had used public funds for personal purposes and had taken various benefits by using his position. There were also allegations that he had misused operational funds and overseas travel expenses, as well as accusations of workplace harassment and favoritism towards close associates, effectively operating the KOSTA like a 'private organization.'