[2025 Audit] Minister Kim Sung-hwan of Climate Ministry: "Nuclear Plant Lifespan Extension Must Be Premised on Safety"

"I have never stated that we will not build new nuclear power plants"

Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment, stated that the continued operation of nuclear power plants is necessary, provided that safety is assured.

At the comprehensive parliamentary audit of the Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee on October 29, Minister Kim addressed the recent decision by the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission to postpone the continued operation of the Kori Unit 2 nuclear reactor. He said, "The extension of a nuclear power plant's lifespan must be based on the premise of safety."

Regarding the construction of new nuclear power plants, Minister Kim clarified, "I have never stated that we will not build new nuclear power plants; I have only emphasized the need for public discussion." He added, "There are still unresolved issues regarding continued operation, so I understand that the review is still ongoing."

When Assemblywoman Kim Sohee of the People Power Party asked, "Should we assume that the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand will include two new nuclear power plants and one Small Modular Reactor (SMR)?" Minister Kim replied, "As of now, yes." He further stated, "We plan to incorporate the points raised in the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand, including those regarding new nuclear power plants, as much as possible."

Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan Reporting on Work
(Seoul=Yonhap News) Photo by Dongju Park = Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan is reporting on work at the plenary meeting of the Climate, Energy, Environment and Labor Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul on October 16, 2025. pdj6635@yna.co.kr (End)

When Assemblywoman Cho Jiyeon of the People Power Party pointed out that "the site selection process for nuclear power plants has been halted since July 30, following your appointment," Minister Kim dismissed the claim, saying, "I have never instructed anyone to halt the process." He explained, "The public bidding for new nuclear power plant sites is conducted by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power in accordance with procedures and regulations," and added, "The selection of nuclear power plant sites is also a matter for Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power to handle independently."

Minister Kim emphasized, "The energy policy of the Lee Jaemyung administration is to promote decarbonization by expanding renewable energy while incorporating nuclear power into the energy mix," and stressed, "We will pursue policies based on this principle."

Addressing concerns about potential electricity rate increases due to the expansion of renewable energy, he explained, "There is no direct correlation between the expansion of renewable energy and increases in electricity rates." He further noted, "The main factor behind Korea Electric Power Corporation's accumulated deficits that has yet to be resolved is the sharp rise in international oil prices caused by the Russia-Ukraine war."