'Father of the Atomic Bomb' Exonerated from Spy Accusation 55 Years After Death

Oppenheimer, Who Led Atomic Bomb Development, Banned from Classified Access in 1954
US Department of Energy "Decision Reversed... He Is a Patriot"

The American theoretical physicist Robert Oppenheimer, known as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb," giving a lecture at Princeton University in the United States. Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Robert Oppenheimer, an American theoretical physicist known as the "Father of the Atomic Bomb," has been cleared of the false accusation of being a "Soviet spy" 55 years after his death.

Jennifer Granholm, U.S. Secretary of Energy, announced on the 16th (local time) in a statement that "the 1954 decision by the Atomic Energy Commission regarding Oppenheimer's security clearance is revoked." At the time, the Atomic Energy Commission held 19 secret meetings after unfounded suspicions that "Oppenheimer was a Soviet spy" were raised by some, ultimately banning Oppenheimer's access to nuclear-related secrets and effectively ending his career as a scientist.

Secretary Granholm said about the 1954 decision, "It was part of a flawed process that violated the commission's own regulations," adding, "Over time, more evidence has emerged showing the prejudice and unfairness Dr. Oppenheimer experienced, as well as evidence confirming his loyalty and patriotism."

Oppenheimer led the development of the atomic bomb through the Manhattan Project, the world's first nuclear weapons development program, earning him the title "Father of the Atomic Bomb." He served as the director of the Los Alamos Laboratory in New Mexico during the 1940s. After successfully developing the atomic bomb and witnessing its power, he opposed the manufacture of the hydrogen bomb, which led to his falling out of favor and being ousted from all public offices. He died in 1967 at the age of 61.

Scientists and historians who have criticized the Atomic Energy Commission's decision for decades have unanimously welcomed this revocation.

Kay Bird, co-author of Oppenheimer's 2005 biography "American Prometheus," which won the Pulitzer Prize, told The New York Times, "I am overwhelmed with emotion," adding, "What happened to Oppenheimer in 1954 was ridiculous and left a stain on the nation's honor."

Meanwhile, famous director Christopher Nolan, known for films such as "Interstellar" and "Inception," is currently producing a new movie titled "Oppenheimer," based on Bird's book, scheduled for release in July next year.

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