Minister Yusangim: "We Will Elevate Korea's Status as a Nuclear Power"... Keynote Speech at IAEA General Conference

Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT, stated in his keynote speech at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference, "We will enhance South Korea's status as a nuclear power through expanding nuclear power plant exports and strengthening international cooperation."

Science and ICT Minister Yoo Sang-im is delivering the keynote speech as South Korea's chief representative at the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) General Conference held in Vienna, Austria, on the 16th (local time).
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Minister Yoo made these remarks on the 16th (local time) while attending the 68th IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria, as South Korea's chief representative.

He explained, "Nuclear power is emerging as a key means to achieve carbon neutrality goals," adding, "Through the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), which offer high economic efficiency and safety, we can promote the transition to sustainable energy." He also noted that the South Korean government is working with the private sector on technology development, demonstration, and establishing regulatory standards to commercialize SMRs.

Minister Yoo also expressed the government's strong condemnation of North Korea's illegal nuclear and missile programs.

Regarding Japan's discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima, he urged the IAEA to conduct effective monitoring and transparent information disclosure in compliance with international law and standards. Minister Yoo plans to request continued participation of South Korean experts in the IAEA's contaminated water discharge monitoring during a meeting with Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director General, on the 17th.

During the conference, Minister Yoo intends to discuss cooperation plans on advanced SMR reactors with representatives from major nuclear cooperation countries and potential export destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, aiming to establish a cooperative foundation in areas including joint research and human resource development.

The Ministry of Science and ICT will open a Korean exhibition pavilion at the technical exhibition held alongside the IAEA General Conference to showcase South Korea's SMR design and manufacturing capabilities.

The IAEA General Conference will continue until the 20th, with 63 attendees from South Korea, including Minister Yoo, Yoo Guk-hee, Chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, and other government officials.