Core Viewpoint - The technology gap between South Korea and China in key scientific fields is widening, with China surpassing South Korea in the secondary battery technology, which was previously the only area where South Korea maintained a lead [2][4]. Group 1: Technology Assessment - According to the draft report submitted by South Korea's Ministry of Science and Technology, the technology gap between South Korea and the United States is projected to be 2.8 years in 2024, down from 3.2 years [4]. - The gap between China and the United States is estimated at 2.1 years, indicating that South Korea and China are now 0.7 years apart in technology [4]. - In 2022, South Korea was leading in the secondary battery sector by 0.9 years, but by 2024, China is expected to take the lead with a 0.2-year advantage over South Korea [4].

Core Insights - The technology gap between South Korea and China in 11 key areas is widening, with South Korea's once-leading secondary battery technology now surpassed by China [1][2] - As of 2024, the technology gap between South Korea and the US is 2.8 years, while the gap between China and the US is 2.1 years, indicating a narrowing gap for South Korea but an expanding gap with China [1] - The assessment of 136 core technologies shows that South Korea's overall technology level is at 82.8%, compared to 86.8% for China and 93.8% for the EU, with the US at 100% [1] Technology Assessment - In the evaluation of 50 strategic technologies, South Korea's gap with the US has decreased from 3 years in 2022 to 2.6 years in 2024, while China's gap has narrowed by 0.8 years during the same period [2] - South Korea was previously leading in the secondary battery sector by 0.9 years in 2022, but by 2024, China has taken the lead with a 0.2-year advantage [2] - In the semiconductor and display sectors, South Korea is lagging behind the US by 0.7 years and China by 0.8 years, with technology levels at 91.2% for South Korea and 91.5% for China [2]