Specialized Research Personnel Program for Conglomerates Revived After 14 Years; 81 Assigned to Samsung, LG and HD Hyundai

[Financial News] Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics and HD Hyundai Robotics are expected to receive specialized research personnel next year. The program allows master's and doctoral graduates in science and engineering to work at research sites for three years instead of completing regular military service. Assignments to large companies, which were suspended in 2013, are being revived after 14 years as part of the government's alternative military service policy for AI talent.
According to data obtained on the 20th by Hwang Jeong-a, a member of the National Assembly's Science, ICT, Broadcasting and Communications Committee, from the Ministry of Science and ICT, 81 specialized research personnel will be assigned to nine research institutes under Samsung Electronics, Samsung Medison, LG Electronics and HD Hyundai Robotics.
The allocation includes 10 personnel for the HD Hyundai Robotics-affiliated research institute; five for Samsung Electronics, including three for the Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT) and two for Samsung Research; five for the Samsung Medison Research Institute; and 61 for LG Electronics, including 21 for the ES Research Institute and 10 each for the Seocho Research Institute, Clothing Science Research Institute, Water Science Research Institute and Food Science Research Institute.
The four large companies met the requirements for companies applying for specialized research personnel. These include investing at least 5% of sales in research and development (R&D), operating in fields that do not directly compete with small and medium-sized enterprises, and providing objective proof of R&D results. Because the requirements are so stringent, fewer personnel were recommended than the 120 initially allocated by the Military Manpower Administration (MMA). Concerns have also been raised that the program could end after its three-year trial period without an extension if its performance is poor.
Hwang said, "With the return of specialized research personnel positions at large companies after 14 years, young researchers once again have a way to fulfill their military service at institutions equipped with Korea's highest-level research infrastructure." She added, "However, the requirements are too rigid, which could limit the program's effectiveness. To secure talent and strategic technologies, alternative military service should be opened up more boldly."
[email protected] Kim Yun-ho Reporter