Yeongdeok County in Gyeongbuk, South Korea, has officially moved forward with its plans to attract a new nuclear power plant, but this decision has led to significant local controversy. On the 24th, the Yeongdeok County Council convened an extraordinary meeting to approve a consent motion for the application, despite some residents protesting against the plant's construction, leading to temporary disruptions at the meeting. Ultimately, none of the seven council members opposed the motion, allowing the session to conclude swiftly without any physical altercations.

The Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Climate Change announced plans for new nuclear construction via a briefing last month, stating that Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. will commence site bidding for two large reactors, targeting completion by 2037 and 2038. Following this announcement, Yeongdeok's Mayor Kim Gwang-yeol stated that the application to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power will be submitted by the end of next month. Mayor Kim pointed to a recent public opinion survey indicating that over 86% of respondents support the nuclear initiative, framing it as essential for revitalizing the local economy and countering demographic decline.

While Mayor Kim expressed intentions to ensure transparency in the selection process and facilitate communication with the residents, opposition from anti-nuclear groups has intensified. Park Hye-ryeong, from the anti-nuclear coalition, criticized the public survey process as inadequate for portraying the views of all residents. She announced plans to voice residents' concerns to local and central governments next month, highlighting the potential for conflict between government plans and community sentiment over nuclear energy development.