KAIST announced on May 13 that President Lee Kwang-hyung has accepted the board of directors' request to remain in office until a new president is appointed, amid delays in the presidential selection process.
The decision aims to maintain stability in university operations and minimize disruption to education and research activities.
"I am well aware that concerns among campus members and the public who care about KAIST are growing due to the recent delays in the presidential selection process," Lee said. "I take seriously the confusion and inconvenience experienced during this period."
"I had previously expressed my intention to resign, taking moral responsibility," he added. "However, as discussions on legal amendments related to the presidential appointment system continued and important changes to KAIST governance were being considered, concerns about a leadership vacuum grew."
Lee noted that the board urged him to withdraw his resignation and continue serving until a successor is appointed, given the need to maintain operational stability during this critical period.
"I gave deep consideration to the fact that such uncertainty could burden education and research activities and affect KAIST's role in national science and technology policies, including the government's 'AI Top 3' strategy," he said.
"KAIST has grown through the passion and dedication of its members," Lee said. "I will fulfill my responsibilities to the end so that the university can contribute to strengthening national science and technology competitiveness in this era of technological hegemony. I promise to do my best to ensure KAIST's innovation and challenges continue with the public's trust."