[2025 Audit] Minister Kim Jeonggwan: "Releasing Westinghouse Agreement Could Undermine Korea-U.S. Cooperation"

"A Meaningful Agreement Securing a Foothold in the European Market"

Yonhap News Agency

On October 13, during the National Assembly’s audit of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy by the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee, a heated debate broke out between the ruling and opposition parties over whether to release the nuclear power plant contract between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Westinghouse of the United States. Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Jeonggwan effectively refused to release the original agreement, stating, "Considering the trust between Korea and the United States and future cooperation, it is not desirable to make the original agreement public."

Minister Kim stated on this day, "Every contract has its shortcomings, but this agreement for the Czech nuclear power plant project was signed through a normal process," emphasizing, "It was a meaningful decision from a strategic perspective, as it secured a foothold in the European market and increased the possibility of winning additional nuclear power plant orders in the future." He added, "Even if it is not perfect, we should recognize the fact that our technology can now be practically applied in overseas markets."

The Democratic Party of Korea strongly criticized the intellectual property agreement between Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power and Westinghouse, calling it a "traitorous contract," and demanded the immediate release of the original text. The controversy intensified after it was revealed that the agreement reportedly includes a clause requiring Westinghouse verification if Korea independently develops and exports small modular reactor (SMR) technology.

In response, the People Power Party agreed on the need for disclosure but countered, "It is inappropriate to use the term 'traitorous' without confirming the facts." Minister Kim explained, "Since sensitive issues such as the Korea-U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement and trade negotiations are involved, premature disclosure could undermine international trust."

On this day, the audit by the Trade, Industry, Energy, SMEs and Startups Committee was temporarily suspended due to the dispute between the ruling and opposition parties over whether to release the agreement and the selection of witnesses, causing confusion. The government maintains that there will be no change in its efforts to pursue follow-up projects related to the Czech nuclear power plant order.