nuclear-news

South Korea’s push to export nuclear technology hampered by corruption scandal

Lee’s nuclear push meets obstacle  Korea Times, 4 may 12,  By Kang Hyun-kyung President Lee Myung-bak’s drive to win nuclear deals abroad has met an unexpected, formidable challenge from within as a state-run nuclear operator has been embroiled in malfunctions and corruption cases.

A cover-up of malfunctions and bribery cases not only revealed the moral hazard of officials at the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Corp. (KHNC), but also is poised to deal a blow to the credibility of Korea’s nuclear technology and safety.

Lee’s visit to the KHNC headquarters in Ulchin Friday came amid the
scandal engulfing the state-run firm….. The visit coincided with a
fresh money-for-business deal scandal.

On Friday, the prosecution said four KHNC staffers and a lobbyist had
been arrested for taking money from companies in return for a deal to
supply nuclear power plants. The four staffers received between 20 and
180 million won after promising to use replacement parts manufactured
by the companies. A lobbyist identified by only his last name Yoon
served as a middleman connecting the companies to the KHNC people.

The corruption scandal came as an embarrassment to President Lee as he
has touted home-grown nuclear technology and safety to overseas buyers
as the global nuclear push showed signs of declining after the
Fukushima incident last year. ….
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/05/116_110314.html

May 5, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, secrets,lies and civil liberties, South Korea