President Lee: "New Nuclear Power Plant Issue Is Overly Politicized... May Review If Necessary"

President Lee Jae-myung Holds New Year's Press Conference on the 21st
"Let Us Keep the Discussion Open and Consider Public Opinion"

President Lee Jae-myung is leaving the venue after concluding the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House's State Guest House on the 21st. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 21st, President Lee Jae-myung stated regarding the construction of new nuclear power plants, "It is not right to be ideologically closed off on this issue."

During the New Year's press conference held at the Blue House's State Guest House that day, President Lee said, "I believe the issue of nuclear power has become overly politicized," and added, "If necessary, we can review the matter, including safety concerns, but it is not desirable for it to be perceived as a tool for ideological warfare."

He emphasized, "Let us keep the discussion open and decide whether it is necessary, whether it is safe, and what the public opinion is."

President Lee further explained, "When considering recent international trends and the future of energy, it is true that there is enormous energy demand," and stated, "We must also address issues such as the intermittency of renewable energy."

He continued, "From the perspective of stability and continuity in national policy, if policies are abruptly reversed every time the administration changes, it hinders the management decisions and future forecasts of economic actors," adding, "The nuclear power issue is similar in this regard and should be considered accordingly."

Previously, at a Cabinet meeting the day before, President Lee said, "Isn't it the case that public opinion overwhelmingly supports the need for additional nuclear power plants to solve the current electricity issue?" He instructed Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment Kim Seong-hwan, "Even if there is heated debate, do not split up and fight separately; instead, gather together and have the discussion."

At the Cabinet meeting on January 20, President Lee reiterated regarding the plan to build two new nuclear power plants, "Isn't public opinion overwhelmingly in favor of additional nuclear power plants to solve the electricity problem?" He instructed Minister of Climate, Energy, and Environment Kim Seong-hwan, "Even if there is heated debate, do not split up and fight separately; instead, gather together and have the discussion."