Over 1,100 residents living within 80 kilometers of the Gori Unit 2 nuclear power plant in Busan have initiated a lawsuit against the government, calling for the revocation of its recent decision to extend the plant’s operational license. They argue that regulatory bodies, notably the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission (NUSC), failed to adequately verify assessments that could threaten resident safety, including the environmental impact of radiation and emergency management plans. The lawsuit emphasizes the risks associated with extending the lifespan of aging nuclear facilities in an area already sensitive to nuclear safety concerns.

The Gori Unit 2 plant was granted a ten-year extension to continue operations until April 2033, following a decision by the NUSC last November. Originally designed over forty years ago during a time when significant nuclear accidents were unheard of, it is seen as an aging facility with questions of safety and economic viability. Critics point out that its capacity of 685 megawatts is less than half that of newer plants, raising concerns about its efficiency. As the plant undergoes upgrades aimed for a restart in the first half of this year, local environmental groups are voicing opposition alongside the plaintiffs in the lawsuit.

In the wake of the lawsuit, legal representatives argue that the renewal process has been rushed and poorly executed, with deficient safety evaluations and evidential concerns regarding the manipulation of assessment data. Participants like Kim Hyun-ji from Busan express a deep-seated need among the plaintiffs for a transition away from nuclear energy, illustrating a broader community desire for safer energy alternatives. As the case unfolds, the implications for energy policy and nuclear safety in South Korea could be substantial, potentially influencing the future operations of aging plants and the direction of national energy strategies.