Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
INTERVIEW Czech envoy backs Korean nuclear tech, signals interest in AI, security ties
Czech Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jancarek speaks during an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Seoul, July 8. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk
By Kim Hyun-bin
Czech Ambassador to Korea Ivan Jancarek has praised Korea’s nuclear technology and welcomed the signing of a major nuclear power agreement between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) and Czech utility CEZ Group, calling it a milestone for bilateral cooperation and a foundation for expanding strategic ties into other high-tech industries.
In an interview with The Korea Times on July 8 at the Czech Embassy in Seoul, Jancarek said the agreement, signed on June 4, enables the construction of two nuclear reactors at the Dukovany Nuclear Power Station and positions KHNP as the Czech Republic’s preferred nuclear partner.
“This deal is not the end — it’s just the beginning,” the ambassador said. “The whole process started in 2022 with three bidders, and in July 2024, the Czech government selected KHNP as the preferred bidder. Now, we are entering the implementation phase, which could last 15 to 20 years.”
Under the agreement, KHNP will supply APR1000 reactors, and has coordinated with stakeholders to ensure compatibility with Western standards. Jancarek emphasized that the Czech Republic (also called Czechia) is fully aligned with European Union regulations and that “no formal concerns” have been raised by the European Commission.
The ambassador highlighted Korea’s extensive nuclear experience, including its track record in the United Arab Emirates and domestic operation of 26 reactors, as a key factor in the Czech selection process.
“Korean technology is up to the standard, and it meets all of our regulatory and safety requirements,” he said. “We have built 15 reactors in the past, the last in 2002. Our supervisory body is experienced and has raised no red flags.”
Jancarek underscored the strategic importance of nuclear energy for Czechia’s long-term energy security and carbon neutrality goals. According to the country’s newly adopted energy policy, nuclear and renewables are expected to generate most of the nation’s electricity by 2050.
“By 2050, nearly 50 percent of electricity will come from nuclear energy and another 50 percent from renewables,” he said. “This is key to replacing carbon-based power and meeting EU climate targets.”
The ambassador said the nuclear deal has broad public support at home, with nearly 80 percent of Czechs favoring nuclear power based on decades of safe operations in the country.
“This is one of the biggest investment deals in Czech history,” he said. “It’s important for our public, for our industry and for deepening economic cooperation with Korea.”
Looking ahead, Jancarek expressed hope that successful implementation of the Dukovany project would lead to KHNP winning future tenders for additional reactors, potentially at the Temelin site.
“There’s a very high possibility that KHNP will be selected again,” he said. “We aim for this to be a model of transparency, sustainability and mutual benefit — a win-win for both sides.”
He described the deal as a “cornerstone” of Korean-Czech ties that will stimulate broader cooperation in electric vehicles, batteries, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, defense and high-speed rail infrastructure.
“Our countries know each other well — we have 35 years of diplomatic ties and a decade of strategic partnership,” Jancarek said. “Czechia is the third-largest car producer in Europe, and the transition to EVs and battery technologies is a natural opportunity for synergy.”
Czech Dukovany Nuclear Power Station / Yonhap
He also noted that a Czech Ministry of Transport delegation will visit Korea in October to seek Korean participation in high-speed rail projects through public-private partnerships. In the defense sector, both sides are exploring joint ventures and technology transfers in ammunition, radar systems and mobile platforms.
“Czech defense companies are already incorporating battlefield lessons from Ukraine. With Korea’s advanced capabilities, we see strong potential for co-development,” he said.
Bilateral trade between Korea and the Czech Republic reached nearly $5 billion in 2024, with Korean exports including vehicles, electronics and industrial equipment, while Czechia exported auto parts, machinery and beer. Korean firms such as Hyundai Motor, Nexen Tire and LS Mtron already operate major manufacturing facilities in Czechia, creating thousands of jobs and boosting local economies.
Jancarek said the two countries should capitalize on their complementary strengths — Korea’s technological leadership and Czechia’s strategic position in Europe — to create long-term industrial and research partnerships.
“There is mutual respect and a growing appetite for collaboration,” he said. “Whether it’s in green tech, mobility or defense, this nuclear project proves that Korea and Czechia can build something big and sustainable together.”