Yi Whan-woo is a Korea Times journalist primarily covering finance. He writes in-depth articles on macroeconomy and financial markets and previously covered sports, politics, diplomacy and inter-Korean affairs, among others. Feel free to contact him at yistory@koreatimes.co.kr.
Wolsong probe may deal further blow to Cheong Wa Dae
A Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy official enters the ministry building in Sejong, Nov. 3. The prosecution arrested two ministry officials, Dec. 4, for allegedly ordering or abetting destruction of evidence on an economic feasibility study of the Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor. Yonhap
By Yi Whan-woo
By Yi Whan-woo
The latest arrests of two energy officials amid the prosecution's investigation into suspicions of a politically motivated decision to close a nuclear reactor is fueling speculation that the probe may extend to Cheong Wa Dae.
Political analysts said Sunday the widening probe may deal a blow to President Moon Jae-in's push for a nuclear-free energy policy as well as prosecution reform.
The arrests, Dec. 4, of the two Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy officials ― one senior, one working-level ― came as the prosecution has been addressing data manipulation allegations in an economic feasibility study of the Wolsong-1 nuclear reactor.
The Board of Audit and Inspection (BAI) earlier found that the ministry and state-owned Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) intentionally undervalued unit sales and labor costs in a feasibility evaluation before a decision was made on the reactor's early closure in June 2018.
KHNP is responsible for operating the country's 21 nuclear power plants and also 27 hydro-electric power plants.
The prosecution has begun the investigation in accordance with the BAI's founding.
The two arrested officials are suspected of ordering or abetting deletion of 444 pieces of data, both in printed and digital forms, related to the Wolsong-1 reactor.
The deled data includes consultation with Cheong Wa Dae authorities, according to the prosecution.
“It is likely the probe will target the higher-ranking officials who were involved in the decision back then,” said Shin Yul, a political science professor at Myongji University.
Among the officials who could be investigated are former Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Baek Woon-kyu and Chae Hee-bong, who was then Cheong Wa Dae's industrial policy secretary.
Some analysts said the 2018 decision was influenced by Moon's nuclear energy-free policy, pointing out the Wolsong-1 reactor was safe to operate until 2022.
The Dec. 4 arrests came two days after Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-youl returned to work amid the tussle between him and Justice Minister Choo Mi-ae over political reform.
Apparently backed by the president, Choo ordered the suspension of Yoon from his position but a Seoul court granted a preliminary injunction requested by the prosecutor general.