'Pro-nuclear administration' frustrates environmentalists

Anti-nuclear civic groups hold a demonstration at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul, Wednesday, denouncing Environment Minister nominee Kim Sung-whan's remarks on building nuclear power plants. Yonhap

The Lee Jae Myung administration’s unexpected support for the nuclear energy industry is drawing strong backlash from environmental activists who had anticipated a phase-out of nuclear power from Korea's energy portfolio under the president's renewable-friendly policies.

Criticism from anti-nuclear groups has grown as the environment minister nominee voiced support for new reactors to pursue both nuclear energy and renewable sources.

Once considered a vocal critic of nuclear energy within the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), Environment Minister nominee Kim Sung-whan said Tuesday that building two new full-size reactors and a small modular reactor (SMR) is necessary for Korea to end its reliance on coal-fired power amid ongoing electricity shortages.

Kim said his previous support for phasing out nuclear power was a temporary response to global shock after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan.

“Unlike the Moon Jae-in administration, which halted reactors after their design lifespans expired, the Lee administration will keep them running if their safety is secured,” Kim said, referring to the government led by the DPK from 2017 to 2022.

His remarks sparked strong protests from civic groups opposed to nuclear energy.

“Renewables and nuclear power simply can’t go hand in hand,” the Green Party Korea said Wednesday during a press conference in Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square. “If Kim continues with this nuclear stance, the president should withdraw his nomination.”

Anti-nuclear civic group Energy Justice Actions also voiced disappointment in Kim, who has criticized former President Yoon Suk Yeol's nuclear-centered energy policies. The Korea Federation for Environmental Movements called on Kim to retract his statements.

Environment Minister nominee Kim Sung-whan speaks during a parliamentary confirmation hearing at the National Assembly in Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

A day later, however, Trade, Industry and Energy Minister nominee Kim Jung-kwan reaffirmed that the government plans to continue supporting nuclear power, emphasizing its importance for industry.

“It is desirable to use nuclear energy and hydrogen as well as renewables,” he said during a parliamentary confirmation hearing Thursday.

The energy minister nominee has already faced calls from environmentalists to step down from environmentalists, who point to his previous career as an executive at Doosan Enerbility, a supplier of nuclear plant equipment.

“His career raises questions about his alignment with carbon-neutral energy transition policies, and his nomination seems to signal a return to nuclear-heavy policy,” a coalition of 10 anti-nuclear civic groups said in a joint statement.

Throughout his election campaign, Lee pledged to prioritize renewable energy development over expanding nuclear power. However, he was cautious about promoting a swift nuclear phase-out, prompting anti-nuclear civic groups to urge him to clarify his position on nuclear power.

Since taking office, the president has highlighted international nuclear cooperation through phone calls with the leaders of the Czech Republic, Vietnam and the United Arab Emirates.

Additionally, the Presidential Commission on Policy Planning reportedly included SMR technology support in the administration’s draft list of 100 policy initiatives. Ruling party lawmakers also proposed special legislation to spur the SMR industry.

In response, anti-nuclear groups held a press conference Wednesday outside the constituency office of DPK Rep. Hwang Jung-a in Daejeon. Hwang is one of the lawmakers who introduced the bill.

“Lawmakers should be proposing a special law for renewable energy instead,” the groups said.

The Korean Nuclear Society defended Hwang, arguing that much of the criticism stems from misunderstandings.

“SMRs are based on decades of globally proven technology, and with new innovations, their safety has improved dramatically while remaining economically viable,” the association said. “To address the national challenges of the climate crisis and ensure stable electricity supply in the era of artificial intelligence, it is urgent that a special law for SMRs be enacted.”