On the 2nd, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's National Archives announced that it would sign a business agreement with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) to develop technology for preserving and restoring national records using nuclear technology.
The agreement was pushed forward as both institutions agreed on the need to develop alternative technology using radiation for the decontamination of disaster-damaged records.
The National Archives needed technology to prevent and control mold damage and to quickly restore records damaged by flooding and various disasters.
Additionally, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) was in the process of developing technology to replace methyl bromide, a fumigant used for cultural heritage decontamination. This was due to the prohibition of methyl bromide's use since 2018 following the enactment of the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer in 1987.
According to the business agreement signed on that day, the two institutions will collaborate on ▲ research for preserving national records using radiation ▲ development and demonstration of radiation decontamination equipment for records ▲ preservation and restoration of nuclear historical records and training of experts ▲ joint utilization of facilities and equipment ▲ operation of a mutual consultative body, among other initiatives.
Joo Han-kyu, president of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), said, "I will strive to ensure that Korea's safe and excellent nuclear technology can serve as a solution for preserving not only national heritage but also world heritage records." Lee Yong-cheol, the director of the National Archives, stated, "With this agreement, I will work hard on developing preservation and restoration technologies for recorded heritage utilizing excellent nuclear technology."