Sung Yun-mo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, "Wolseong Unit 1 Economic Feasibility Evaluation Is Not Manipulated"

National Assembly Government Question Session

Sung Yun-mo (left), Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Eun Sung-soo, Chairman of the Financial Services Commission, are attending the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 2nd. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Joo Sang-don] Sung Yun-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."

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 inspection session.

Minister Sung said, "Although there were consultations with the Blue House and related ministries and agencies during the decision-making process to shut down Wolseong Unit 1, 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 stated that it is "reviewing relevant laws" regarding the extension of the construction permit period for Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4. Earlier, on the 8th of last month, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power applied to the ministry to extend the permit period for the Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 power plant project. If the extension application is not accepted before the 26th, KHNP will be unable to participate in new power 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, the permit is canceled," and added, "We are reviewing the laws according to the Electricity Business Act."