Choi Won-ho, Chairman of the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, has taken steps to strengthen direct communication with communities around nuclear power plants and increase trust in nuclear safety.
At a meeting held in Daejeon on the 14th, Chairman Choi met with the chairpersons of seven regional Nuclear Safety Councils nationwide to hear about nuclear safety issues and local concerns. This meeting, the first official communication session since the appointment of new regional council chairpersons late last year, was organized to coordinate nuclear safety policies and local residents’ opinions.
Chairman Choi acknowledged the councils’ important role in communication with local residents and promoting safety, and requested their continued interest and cooperation. He also stated, “The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission will do its best to enhance public trust in nuclear safety by actively communicating with various stakeholders, including the councils.”
The Nuclear Safety Councils operate in seven regions where nuclear power plants are located (Gori, Saewool, Wolseong, Hanbit, Hanul, and Daejeon), with approximately 170 members including resident representatives, local government officials, local council members, and experts. Established under the ‘Nuclear Safety Communication Act’ implemented in July 2022, the councils have served as crucial communication channels with communities near nuclear facilities.
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission plans to continue reflecting local residents’ opinions on nuclear safety through the councils and maintain policy efforts to build trust.