Kim Young-sik, a member of the People Power Party representing Gumi-eul, Gyeongbuk, received the ‘2023 Korean Nuclear Society Merit Award’ from the Korean Nuclear Society, the most prestigious academic society in the domestic nuclear field, on the 24th.
The ‘Merit Award’ hosted by the Korean Nuclear Society is given to members who have made remarkable contributions to the academic development and technological advancement of nuclear energy.
Rep. Kim of the People Power Party was recognized for his contributions to the development of the nuclear ecosystem through legislative enactment and research aimed at revitalizing the nuclear industry during his parliamentary activities.
As the only engineer in the National Assembly who had worked at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, Rep. Kim made efforts to expose the procedural illegality and unfairness of the nuclear phase-out policy during the Moon Jae-in administration, led the resumption of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4, and urged the prompt approval of operation for Shin Hanul Units 1 and 2.
Additionally, as a standing advisory member of the Science, Technology, and Education Subcommittee of the Presidential Transition Committee, he contributed to the establishment of the Yoon Seok-yeol administration’s nuclear promotion policies (including SMR, high-level radioactive waste, and the nuclear industry sectors), and has served as co-chair of the Innovative SMR National Assembly Forum since 2021.
His major legislative activities include leading the enactment of the ‘Special Act on Fostering National Strategic Technologies,’ which contains development plans for next-generation nuclear power, semiconductors, and secondary batteries; the ‘Special Act on the Management Facilities for High-Level Radioactive Waste,’ which outlines a roadmap for managing high-level radioactive waste; and the ‘Act on Strengthening Competitiveness and Promoting Commercialization of Advanced Small Modular Reactors,’ which establishes a full-cycle development plan for Korean-style advanced small modular reactors. These efforts are at the forefront of executing the core national agenda of the Yoon Seok-yeol government.
Rep. Kim Young-sik said, “As a former senior researcher at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and a representative lawmaker of the science and technology community, the abolition of the nuclear phase-out policy was a matter that had to be done. I believe this award represents not only me but also those who have worked hard to restore the nuclear ecosystem.” He added, “I will do my utmost to help South Korea’s nuclear industry reclaim its position as number one in the world once again.”
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