Officials in South Korea's nuclear power industry gathered to express their commitment to leap forward as a nuclear powerhouse by 2025. Both the government and the National Assembly also pledged consistent support for invigorating the nuclear industry.
More than 300 attendees participated in the '2025 Nuclear Industry New Year Meeting' hosted by the Korea Nuclear Industry Association at the Westin Chosun Hotel in Seoul on the 10th, marking the largest turnout in history. The meeting was held under the theme 'New Opportunities and Challenges for Nuclear Power for Humanity.'
Hwang Joo-ho, Chairperson of the Korea Nuclear Industry Association, expressed hope in his New Year address that 'this year will be the year to achieve successful final contracts for the Czech Republic's nuclear power plants and actively promote overseas projects, achieving results in nuclear exports.' He urged efforts to ensure that South Korea, which has risen as a nuclear powerhouse without capital or technology, can play a leading role in the global market.
Among those attending the New Year meeting were Lee Chul-kyu, Chairperson of the Committee on Trade, Industry and Energy, Choi Hyung-doo, a member of the People Power Party, and Heo Seong-moo, a member of the Democratic Party. Other key figures in the nuclear sector included Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT, Choi Nam-ho, Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and Choi Won-ho, Chairperson of the Nuclear Safety Commission.
Choi Nam-ho, Vice Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, said, 'The government will continue to support the nuclear industry in terms of work and finance in 2025, and we will further accelerate investments for the next-generation nuclear project, SMR. We must focus both public and private efforts to strengthen nuclear safety and expand communication with the public so that nuclear power can be firmly trusted by the citizens.'
The Korea Nuclear Industry Association decided to actively pursue projects such as nuclear ecosystem support, financial support for the nuclear ecosystem, advance payment guarantee insurance for nuclear equipment, and fostering super-giant startups. As of 2025, the Korea Nuclear Industry Association is the largest association in Korea, with 432 nuclear corporations and academic institutions as its members.