The South Korean government, under President Lee Jae-myung, has confirmed new plans for the construction of nuclear power plants, projecting that by the early 2030s, the country will have a nuclear power density that is three times that of France and thirty times that of the United States. This unprecedented density of nuclear reactors raises significant safety concerns, particularly as multiple reactors may be placed within the same site, increasing potential risks. The findings, derived from the International Atomic Energy Agency's data, indicate that South Korea's nuclear power density will peak at 0.311 in 2033, based on existing capacities and additional reactors currently under construction.

As the data suggests, South Korea's nuclear power density—which stands at 0.261 currently—is expected to rise with the completion of additional reactors, such as the new Shin Hanul units. Moreover, the government plans to extend the operational life of aging reactors by more than ten years, exacerbating concerns over the rising density and potential risks associated with such high concentrations of nuclear facilities. By the projected maximum in 2038, the density could reach 0.344, a striking contrast to France, which is expected to see only a slight increase during the same period.

The implications of South Korea's nuclear power strategy indicate a divergence from the trends in other nuclear states, primarily in terms of safety and regulatory considerations. As the government maintains its commitment to nuclear energy amidst debates over sustainability and environmental stewardship, the potential for an increased nuclear accident risk becomes a focal point in public and international discourse on energy policy. South Korea must navigate these concerns while managing its ambitious energy plans into the next decade and beyond.