Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant 'MACSTOR Expansion Consultative Group' Launched... Residents' Opposition Continues, 'Rough Road Ahead'

Inauguration Ceremony of Consultative Body Comprising 14 Members Including Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and Resident Representatives
Makseuteo Opposition Residents' Countermeasure Committee Files Criminal Complai

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongwook Park] Amid allegations of manipulation in the public opinion survey regarding the dry storage facility (MACSTOR) for spent nuclear fuel at Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant, the "MACSTOR Expansion Consultative Body," consisting of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and resident representatives, has been launched.

Residents opposing the MACSTOR expansion are intensifying their resistance by filing complaints with the prosecution against those responsible for the survey, claiming the survey results were manipulated, making the path to construction commencement challenging.

The inauguration ceremony of the "MACSTOR Expansion Consultative Body," chaired by Lee Young-seok, Deputy Mayor of Gyeongju, was held on the 16th at Alcheon Hall, Gyeongju City Hall. The consultative body consists of 14 members, including heads of participating organizations and recommended members from the Donggyeongju (Gampo-eup, Yangnam-myeon, Yangbuk-myeon) Regional Development Council.

The consultative body plans to jointly develop support measures for the stable operation of Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant and regional win-win development that residents can feel through regular meetings and workshops in the future.

No Ki-kyung, Head of Wolseong Nuclear Power Headquarters, stated, "As a response to the support and trust shown by Gyeongju citizens through this regional public opinion process, we will prioritize safety in constructing and operating the MACSTOR," adding, "We will sincerely engage in the consultation process to establish reasonable local support measures."

Joo Nak-young, Mayor of Gyeongju, said in his opening remarks at the inauguration ceremony, "I hope to quickly heal the conflicts that arose during the local opinion gathering process and move toward a path of win-win development in an atmosphere of harmony and stability," emphasizing, "Through the consultative body, we will prepare measures to improve citizens' welfare and quality of life through regional development."

Meanwhile, the Resident Countermeasure Committee opposing the MACSTOR expansion from Yangnam-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongju City, and Buk-gu, Ulsan?three regions where Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant is located?submitted a complaint to the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on the 6th, requesting punishment of those responsible for the public opinion survey from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, the Re-examination Committee, and the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Regional Execution Organization for obstruction of official duties by abuse of authority.

Regarding the public opinion survey conducted by the Re-examination Committee on July 24, which showed 81.4% in favor and 11% opposed to the MACSTOR expansion, they claim manipulation, alleging that the pro-MACSTOR result was deliberately produced.

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