Sung Yoon-mo: "Economic Evaluation of Wolseong Unit 1 Is Not Manipulated" (Update)

National Assembly Government Questioning Session

Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Sung Yun-mo is responding during the economic sector interpellation held at the National Assembly plenary session on the 5th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Sung Yoon-mo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, reiterated on the 5th that "the economic feasibility evaluation of Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant Unit 1 is not fabricated." Regarding suspicions of Blue House interference in the decision to shut down Wolseong Unit 1, he said, "There were consultations, but no illegal activities."

On this day, Minister Sung responded this way to a question from Kwon Myung-ho, a member of the People Power Party, during the National Assembly's government questioning session.

When asked by Representative Kwon about Blue House involvement, Minister Sung drew a clear line. He said, "There were consultations with the Blue House and related ministries and agencies during the decision-making process to shut down Wolseong Unit 1, but there was no illegality," adding, "The decision was made by comprehensively considering economic feasibility, safety, acceptability, and environmental factors."

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy previously stated that it is "reviewing the law" regarding Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power's application to extend the construction permit period for Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4. If the extension is not granted before the 26th, KHNP will be unable to participate in new power generation projects for two years. Minister Sung explained, "According to the Electricity Business Act, if a construction permit is not obtained within four years without justifiable reasons after acquiring a power generation business permit, it must be canceled," and added, "We are conducting a legal review based on the Electricity Business Act."

In response to Representative Kwon's point that 790 billion won has already been invested in Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4, Minister Sung said, "There are conflicting claims among the project operators. Officially, only the power generation business permit has been obtained, so there has been no substantial progress in construction," but also noted, "Discussions are underway in the National Assembly to compensate for costs lawfully and properly incurred according to the energy transition roadmap."

He strongly denied allegations that the Moon Jae-in administration pursued nuclear power plant construction in North Korea. Minister Sung stated, "This is neither government policy nor an official confirmed document."

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