By Jun Ji-hye
The government will promptly resume the stalled construction of two nuclear reactors near the southeastern city of Ulsan, President Moon Jae-in said Sunday, upholding a recommendation made by a state commission.
At the same time, Moon made it clear the government will continue its policy to scale back reliance on nuclear energy as also recommended by the commission.
“The government will work to present follow-up and complementary measures for the resumption of the construction as recommended by the commission,” Moon said.
His comments came two days after the commission announced its decision to recommend restarting the construction of the Shin-Kori 5 and 6 reactors, which has been suspended since July. The decision was made in a vote by a jury comprising 471 citizens.
During the presidential campaigning earlier this year, Moon pledged to stop the construction of the two reactors as part of efforts to push ahead with an energy conversion policy aimed at introducing cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
But the commission, after a three-month deliberation, concluded it is reasonable to finish building the two reactors as their construction was already 30 percent complete.
“I hope the people who supported my pledge to suspend the construction of the two reactors will accept the decision of the commission,” Moon said.
Moon, however, stressed that his government will continue to push its energy conversion policy including moving toward a nuclear-free nation.
The majority of the jury members also wanted the nation to reduce its reliance on nuclear energy gradually ― 53.2 percent of jury members supported scaling back nuclear power generation, while 9.7 percent called for its expansion; 35.5 percent said they support maintenance of the status quo.
“The government will continue to push for a policy for energy conversance according to its plan,” Moon said.
Under the policy, the government will scrap all plans to build new reactors, Moon said, adding, “The number of reactors would actually begin to be reduced after the next government is launched.”
President Moon praised the decision-making process of the commission, calling it a good example of democracy in which all members including objectors completely went along with the results of the vote.
“I am proud of it,” Moon said, calling on the people to continue to keep seeking dialogue and great compromise when the nation faces conflicts.
Regarding the safety concerns of those who live near the reactors, Moon vowed to tighten safety standards so all residents can be at ease.
Thirteen reactors have been built in the region in addition to the Shin-Kori 5 and 6 whose construction will likely resume next month.
“I will also root out corruption involving nuclear power generation and improve transparency,” Moon said. “Studies regarding faults and the possibility of earthquake will be strengthened as well.”
An official from the presidential office said, on condition of anonymity, that the government will officially endorse details to implement the recommendation at a Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday.
For their part, the opposition parties are criticizing Moon for “wasting money” while suspending the construction of the two reactors for three months.
The conservative opposition Liberty Korea Party demanded Moon apologize for the economic damage his decision caused.
According to the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Corp., the three-month suspension of the construction cost about 100 billion won.