Controversy Over the Dismissal of Kang Chang-ho, Head of the Hanwool Nuclear Power Union Branch

Branch Chief Kang's History of Criticizing Nuclear Phase-Out
KHNP "Unrelated to Nuclear Phase-Out"

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) has suspended Kang Chang-ho, head of the Saewool Nuclear Power Plant labor union branch, citing damage to the company's reputation.

According to KHNP and Kang's social media (SNS) on the 1st, KHNP notified Kang of his suspension on the 28th of last month in accordance with Article 22 of the company's personnel management regulations. Kang was excluded from his duties as manager of the Reactor Core Management Team in the Power Operation Department at the Unit 1 Power Plant Operations Office.

He has been active in opposing the current government's nuclear phase-out policy, serving as head of the Energy Promotion Group, secretary of the Action-oriented Free Citizens Anti-Nuclear Phase-out Committee, and chair of the Legal Subcommittee of the Nuclear Policy Solidarity.

Last year, he also filed a complaint accusing KHNP President Jung Jae-hoon and the board of directors of breach of trust over the early shutdown decision of the Wolseong Unit 1 reactor.

Kang said, "I have worked hard to protect nuclear power while working at a nuclear company, and I cannot accept the logic that this damages the company's reputation," adding, "I will not be intimidated and will fight even more firmly."

Due to Kang's history of opposing the nuclear phase-out policy and conflicts with President Jung, some speculate that this may be a retaliatory personnel action.

In response, KHNP stated that Kang's suspension is unrelated to his anti-nuclear phase-out activities and was implemented because he damaged the company's reputation.

A KHNP official explained, "Kang recently held a press conference spreading false information about employee personnel policies, damaging the reputation of the company and management, sent threatening emails to many employees, and continued to defame the management on SNS. The action was taken in accordance with company regulations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.