Gov't declares war on nuke industry corruption

The government said Friday it will review all quality warranties for parts used for nuclear reactors and devise comprehensive measures against deep-rooted irregularities in the industry in the wake of the recent scandal over fake test results which led to the shutdown of reactors.

Since last week, the government has suspended the operation of six nuclear reactors, including three newly built reactors, after they were found to have been supplied with substandard control cables under falsified warranties.

In a move to root out pervasive irregularities in the nuclear industry, the government decided to conduct an all-out review of some 125,000 certificates for components used for nuclear plants both in service and under construction.

After up to three months of investigation, the government plans to refer suspected cases to law enforcement authorities, according to officials.

Aimed at rooting out collusive ties of the so-called nuclear mafia, a combination of industry, research and bureaucracy with the same educational background united for the expansion of the industry, the government decided to expand the scope of senior officials at public firms in the industry subject to bans on working for relevant private firms after retirement.

Their symbiotic ties have been highlighted as the primary cause of the corruption scandal.

More positions in the relevant public firms will be open to outside figures, while more contracts will be awarded in open bidding, according to the government.

It also vowed a thorough investigation into the recent scandal and to bring stern punishment to officials in KEPCO Engineering & Construction Co., and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) responsible for the recent corruption case.

In the wake of the revelations, the Supreme Prosecutors' Office launched a task force to look into the allegations, which marks the first time that the agency has set up such a panel for a single case. The state auditor also separately launched a probe into the cases.

"The latest incidents caused huge concern among the people.

Regardless of who they are, we will bring those responsible for the corruption to justice," Prime Minister Chung Hong-won said.

The latest shutdown follows a scandal that erupted late last year involving more than 13,000 substandard parts supplied under fake quality warranties for over 10 years.

South Korea operates 23 reactors, supplying about 30 percent of its total electricity consumption. (Yonhap News)