This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.

Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.

January 1991
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) and the Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) sign an agreement to jointly develop CANFLEX (CANDU Flexible Fueling Natural Uranium) heavy water reactor fuel. [Note: Taehan Maeil cites the agreement was signed on 19 February 1991.]
—MOTIE 1995 Nuclear White Paper, August 1995, pp. 177-323, in "ROK 1995 Nuclear Energy White Paper Part 2 of 2," FBIS Document ID: FTS19950801000965; "CANFLEX Haekyŏnryo/ Hankuk Kongdongkaepar Kyeyak," Taehan Maeil, 20 February 1991, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.

8 March 1991
South Korea and Japan agree to a wide range of bilateral cooperation in nuclear safety. The agreement covers annual meetings and information exchange on issues related to nuclear safety, and on the operation of nuclear power plants, and to exchange nuclear energy experts.
—"Asia News: S. Korea Agrees to Proposal on Nuclear Safety Cooperation," Japan Economic Newswire, 8 March 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

25 March 1991
The first Korea-Soviet Union Atomic Energy Joint Coordinating Committee meeting is held.
—MOTIE 1995 Nuclear White Paper, August 1995, pp. 177-323, in "ROK 1995 Nuclear Energy White Paper Part 2 of 2," FBIS Document ID: FTS19950801000965.

12 April 1991
South Korean Defense Minister Lee Chong Ku says that South Korea is prepared to respond with force if North Korea does not accept nuclear safeguards inspections. He says North Korea is expected to acquire nuclear weapons by 1995 or 1996, and that strong counter-proliferation measures would be appropriate. The remarks are later retracted by the Defense Ministry, but North Korean President Kim Il Sung says that the announcement is a "virtual declaration of war."
—"Sabyŏng Pongmudanch'uk Kŏmt'o/Lee Kukpang/Pang'wibyŏngjedo Kaesŏndŭng P'oham," Hankook Ilbo, 13 April 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Charles Lane, "A Knock on the Nuclear Door," Newsweek, 29 April 1991, pp. 38-40; "Pukhan Haekshisŏl Ŭngjin P'ilyo/Lee Kukpang Pal'ŏn Mulŭi Ch'wiso Sodong," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 13 April 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

16 April 1991
The Korea Atomic Industrial Forum concludes a memorandum of cooperation with the USSR Nuclear Society.
—Korean Atomic Industrial Forum, <http://www.kaif.or.kr/index_e.html>.

20-21 April 1991
During the third round of USSR-ROK Summit, South Korea and the Soviet Union conclude an agreement on economic cooperation and a joint natural gas development project in the Soviet Far East. The Soviet Union also reaffirms their position to halt nuclear fuel and supplies to North Korea if they do not sign the Nuclear Safeguard Treaty. President of the Soviet Union Mikhail Golvachov proposes a Bilateral Friendship Treaty and South Korean President Roh Tae Woo suggests studying the treaty through dialogue between both countries' Foreign Ministers. Both sides agree to make efforts to fulfill the treaty.
—"Han, So, Uhohyŏmnyŏkjoyak Ch'egyŏl Ch'ujin/Saharin Ch'ŏnyŏngasŭ Kongdonggaebal," Taehan Maeil, 21 April 1991, p.1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Paul Shin, "South Korea-Soviet Summit Agreement Include Sakhalin Gas Project," The Associated Press, 20 April 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Hanso Chŏngsanghoedam Ch'ŏnghwadae Taebyŏnin Pal'p'yomun," Chosun Ilbo, 21 April 1991, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; "Seoul to Study Treaty With USSR Cautiously: Lee," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 24 April 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 June 1991
South Korean officials announce that South Korea will seek an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) resolution calling on North Korea to sign a safeguards agreement "immediately" despite Pyongyang's recent pledge to sign an agreement by 1 September 1991. The officials claim that there need to be further diplomatic effort at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting beginning on 17 June because "there remain some problems that make it hard to trust North Korea."
—Yonhap News Agency, 10 June 1991, in "South to Seek Resolution on Inspecting North," in FBIS-EAS-91-111, 10 June 1991, pp. 16-17; "Haeksach'al 'Taebukkyŏlŭian' Ch'ae't'aek Kanghaeng/Chŏngbu IAEA Sŏ," Segye Ilbo, 10 June 1991, p.1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

10 June 1991
A senior South Korean Foreign Ministry official denies as "unfounded" a 9 June Los Angeles Times article that reported that the United States is consulting with Seoul about removing its nuclear weapons from South Korea in order to entice North Korea into allowing international inspections of its nuclear facilities and giving up any possible nuclear weapons capabilities. The official claims that the position of South Korea is to deal with the issue of US nuclear weapons separately form "North Korea's liability as a signatory of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty."
—Yonhap (Seoul), 10 June 1991, in "U.S. Paper's Report on Nuclear Weapons Viewed," in FBIS-EAS-91-111, 10 June 1991, p. 17; Jim Mann, "US Weighing Deal to End A-Arms in Korea," Los Angeles Times, 9 June 1991, p. 1, in Proquest, < http://www.il.proquest.com/proquest/>.

Early July 1991
The Kori and Yŏnggwang nuclear power plants are temporarily shut down due to a breakdown of the cooling system. In response, the South Korean government launches an energy conservation campaign to avoid a power shortage.
—"Chŏllyŏkkonggŭp 'Asŭl Asŭl'/Yŏnggwangwŏnjŏn Kojang'iŏ Kori 2 Hogido Handdae Chŏngji," Donga Ilbo, 5 July 1991, p. 7, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; "S. Korea Threatened with Unprecedented Power Shortage This Summer," Agence France Press, 5 July 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "South Korean Atomic Power Stations Break Down," Xinhua News Agency, 6 July 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10 July 1991
South Korean Defense Minister Lee Chong Ku tells the National Assembly that if North Korea accepts international inspections of its nuclear facilities and proves that it has abandoned its nuclear weapons program, South Korea will consider simultaneous inspections of both countries' military facilities.
—John Fricker, publisher, Milavnews, Vol. 30, No. 357, July 1991, pp. 19-20; "Pukhan Haek Kaebal Wanjŏnp'ogiddaen/Nambuk Kunsashisŏl Tongshisach'al," Hankryoreh Shinmun, 11 July 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

22 July 1991
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) awards a contract to Combustion Engineering (C-E) to supply two 1000MW reactors worth over $200 million. Under the contract, C-E is to supply South Korea with two 1,000MW advanced light water reactors which are expected to go into operation by 1998 and 1999.
—"Late News in Brief," Nuclear News, August 1991, p. 25, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Asea Brown Boveri US Unit Wins South Korea Nuclear Contract," The Associated Press, 22 July 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "ABB to Build Two Nuclear Power Plants in S. Korea," Agence France Press, 22 July 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 August 1991
South Korea announces a three-step plan that includes asking North Korea to sign a joint declaration to make the Korean Peninsula a nuclear-weapon-free zone. First, North Korea would accept inspections of its nuclear facilities, and then North and South Korea would jointly issue a declaration to establish a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. The third step would include high-level talks and multilateral support from countries in the region. The proposal may suggest simultaneous IAEA inspections, or a system by which the two Koreas may conduct bilateral inspections.
—"Seoul Considers Joint Denuclearization Offer," Yonhap News Agency, 4 August 1991, in FBIS-EAS-91-150, 5 August 1991, p. 32; "Hanbando 3 Tan'gye Pihaekchŏngch'aek Ch'ujin," Joongang Ilbo, 4 August 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

5 August 1991
South Korean Foreign Minister Lee Sang Ok says that South Korea has no plan to develop nuclear weapons, and no plan to use military force against North Korean nuclear facilities, even if Pyongyang refuses to accept full nuclear safeguards inspections.
—"Pukhan Haeksach'al Kŏbuhaedo Han'guk, Haekkaebal Koryŏ'anhae/I Oemu Oejihoe'gyŏn," Joongang Ilbo, 6 August 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

September 1991
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announces South Korea's plan to build 13 more power reactors by 2006. This includes 8,950MW light water reactors and 5,629MW heavy water reactors.
—"Late News in Brief," Nuclear News, October 1991, p. 25, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Korea Plans 13 More Reactors to Make Nuclear Main Generator," Nucleonics Week, 12 September 1991, p. 6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

4 October 1991
South Korean President Roh Tae Woo warns North Korea that if it continues with its nuclear weapons program and refuses international inspections, international sanctions may be imposed on North Korea.
—"Pukhan Haengmugi Kaebal Kyesoktaen/Kunsajŏk Wihŏm Chach'ohalsudo," Segye Ilbo, 5 October 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Measures to Stop North N-Arms Program Planned," Yonhap News Agency, 4 October 1991 in FBIS-EAS-91-193, 4 October 1991.

9 October 1991
Construction work for Wŏlsŏng nuclear power reactor #2 begins.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_06_09.html>; Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>.

19 October 1991
The United States announces its decision to remove all its nuclear weapons, including land- and sea-based, tactical short-range, and air- or bomber-delivered weapons from South Korea. The United States hopes this decision will pave the way for North Korea to accept international inspections on their nuclear facilities.
—"South Korea-A-Arms Pullout Plan Reported," New York Times, 19 October 1991, p. 4, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US to Remove All Nuclear Weapons From S. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 19 October 1991, Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US to Withdraw All Nuclear Weapons From South Korea," Agence France Press, 19 October 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 October 1991
The South Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs says that it was unaware of the US decision to remove all nuclear weapons from South Korea.
—"S. Korea Unaware of US Decision to Withdraw All Nuclear Arms," Agence France Presse, 19 October 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

8 November 1991
South Korean President Roh Tae Woo declares the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He announces that "South Korea will not manufacture, possess, store, deploy or use nuclear weapons." In addition, President Roh states that South Korea will not possess facilities for nuclear fuel reprocessing or refining.
—"Namhan 'Piheakhwa' Sŏnŏn/No Tae't'ongnyŏng 'Mandŭljido Katchido Ssŭjido Ankedda'," Kukmin Ilbo, 8 November 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; " 'Haekchejoboyusayongankedda'/No Tae't'ongnyŏng Hanbando 'Pihaek 5 Wŏnch'ik' Sŏnŏn," Donga Ilbo, 8 November 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Roh Announces Plan for Nuclear-Free Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 8 November 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 November 1991
South Korea's Minster of Science and Technology Kim Chin Hyŏk announces that South Korea will not have nuclear spent fuel reprocessing facilities in accordance with the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. He adds that if reprocessing becomes necessary, nuclear spent fuel will be reprocessed in the United Kingdom, France, or Soviet Union.
—"Haekchae'ch'ŏri Kuknaesŏ Anhanda'/Kim Kwagichŏ," Segye Ilbo, 10 November 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "S. Korea to Store Spent Nuclear Fuel for Recycling," Japan Economic Newswire, 9 November 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13-14 November 1991
South Korea and Japan hold talks and add issues related to radiation monitoring technology to their bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy. Japanese officials deny recent reports of South Korean requests to reprocess spent nuclear fuel.
—"Japan/South Korea," Nucleonics Week, 28 November 1991, p. 15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 November 1991
South Korea and the United Kingdom sign an agreement calling for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and announce the island of Anmyŏng in addition to 6 others as possible radioactive waste disposal sites. According to the agreement, the two countries will transfer technology, material, and equipment in the areas of nuclear management, storage and disposal of irradiated fuel, radioactive wastes, and the transport of radioactive materials. In addition, the UK Secretary of Energy states that the agreement may provide an opportunity to reprocess South Korea's spent fuel in the UK.
—Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/f2_01_01_06_09.html>; Mark Hibbs, "British-Korea Agreement Will Allow Reprocessing at BNFK," Nuclear Fuel, 9 December 1991, p. 14, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; MOTIE 1995 Nuclear White Paper, August 1995, pp. 177-323, in "ROK 1995 Nuclear Energy White Paper Part 2 of 2," FBIS Document ID: FTS19950801000965; "South Korea/UK," Nuclear Fuel, 30 March 1992, p. 17, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://www.web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 November 1991
The South Korean government announces its plans to accept simultaneous nuclear facility inspections with North Korea if they sign an international safeguard accord.
—"'Puk Haekhyŏpchŏngsach'al Modu Suyongddaen/Nambuk Tongshisach'al Mubang'," Chosun Ilbo, 27 November 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "S. Korea Said to Accept Simultaneous Nuclear Inspections," Japan Economic Newswire, 27 November 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 December 1991
South Korea and the Soviet Union hold the first seminar on Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy in Moscow.
—MOTIE 1995 Nuclear White Paper, August 1995, pp. 177-323, in "ROK 1995 Nuclear Energy White Paper Part 2 of 2," FBIS Document ID: FTS19950801000965.

11 December 1991
The prime ministers of North and South Korea make separate proposals for a nuclear-free Korea. The proposals are the first to be introduced at an official meeting and are more similar than any past proposals. Both call for the elimination of weapons of mass destruction and a ban on manufacture, possession, or deployment of nuclear weapons. There remain, however, some points of contention. The South Korean proposal calls for the destruction of nuclear reprocessing plants and uranium enrichment facilities in North Korea. The North Korean proposal demands a ban on US nuclear protection of South Korea and calls for the withdrawal of all US troops and a halt to the annual Team Spirit joint military exercises. Despite the differences, North Korean Prime Minister Yŏn Hyŏng Muk describes South Korea's willingness to denuclearize as "a step forward."
—"'Haek Sangosach'al Haja'/Nambuk Kowihoedam," Kukmin Ilbo, 11 December 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; C.W. Lim, "Rival Koreas Present Joint Surprise Proposals for Nuclear Free Korea," Associated Press, 10 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 December 1991
During the fifth round of high-level talks in Seoul between North and South Korea, both sides sign the South-North Basic Agreement on Reconciliation, Nonaggression and Exchange-Cooperation. According to the agreement, the two nations officially recognize each other's existence and pledge non-aggression. The two nations remain divided on the nuclear issue, but both state the goal of a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula. Bilateral talks on nuclear issues are set for later in December. [Note: the South-North Basic Agreement on Reconciliation, Nonaggression and Exchange-Cooperation is also known as the "Basic Agreement." The Basic Agreement enters into forces on 19 February 1992 during the sixth round of high-level talks in Pyongyang.]
—"Nambuk 'Habŭisŏ' T'a'gyŏl/'Pulgach'imkyoryu' Onŭl Sŏmyŏng," Chosun Ilbo, 13 December 1991, p.1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Haekkwallyŏn Nambuksŏn'ŏn (an)," Hankook Ilbo, 12 December 1991, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Paul Blustein, "Two Koreas Pledge to End Aggression," Washington Post, 13 December 1991, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kelly Smith Tunney, "Rival Koreas Reach Historic Agreement on Rapprochement," Associated Press, 12 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Reconciliation Accord Ends Inter-Korean Tension," Japan Economic Newswire, 13 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 December 1991
President Roh Tae Woo declares South Korea free of all nuclear weapons. He announces, "At this moment, not a single nuclear weapon exists in our country."
—"Chŏngbu, 'Haekpujae' Sŏnŏn/No Tae't'ongnyŏng Onŭl Ohu Kongshikpal'p'yo," Donga Ilbo, 18 December 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Pak Hŭi Kwŏn, Hanbando Piheakhwa, (Kyŏngsewŏn: Seoul), 1992, pp. 221-224; James Kim, "Roh Declares South Korea is Free of Nuclear Weapons," United Press International, 18 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kelly Smith Tunney, "President: South Korea is Nuclear-Free," The Associated Press, 18 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>;

26 December 1991
The first round of North-South Korea delegation talks is held in P'anmunjŏm, which likes south of the 38th parallel to discuss resolution of nuclear issues on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea basically agrees with South Korea's proposal of the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. North Korea says that it will sign the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards agreement and permit international inspections of its nuclear facilities "at an early date." A South Korean delegation Lee Dong Bok says that North Korea agrees that both sides will not posses reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities. North Korea is no longer demanding that the United States officially confirm the withdrawal of its nuclear weapons from South Korea.
—"Puk, Haekchaech'ŏri Shisŏl P'yegi Suyong/Nambuk 'Pihaekhwasŏnŏn' Habŭi," Chosun Ilbo, 27 December 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "'Haek Chaech'ŏrishisŏl P'ogi' Ŭigyŏn Chŏpkŭn/1 Ch'a Nambukchŏpch'ok," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 27 December 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "North Korea Vows Atom Inspections," New York Times, 27 December 1991, p. A3; Reuters, "2 Koreas Narrow Differences But Nuclear Issue is Unsettled," Los Angeles Times, 27 December 1991, p. A6, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 December 1991
The two Koreas hold the second round of North-South Korea delegation talks in P'anmunjŏm, south of the 38th parallel. Both sides agree with most of the articles in the draft of the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea agrees to form a North-South Joint Nuclear Control Commission that North Korea has proposed. Both nations decide to have a meeting to discuss this commission in mid January 1992.
—"'Pihaeksŏnŏn' Sashilang T'agyŏl/P'anmunjŏm 2 Ch'a Chŏpch'ok," Kukmin Ilbo, 28 December 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "'Nambuk Haek't'ongje Kongdongwi' Habŭi/P'anmunjŏm 2 Ch'a Haekhoedam," Donga Ilbo, 28 December 1991, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

31 December 1991
During the third round of North-South Korea delegation talks, both nations signs the Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, whereby both sides promised to "not test, manufacture, produce, receive, possess, store, deploy, or use nuclear weapons." The agreement also prohibits the two sides from possessing "nuclear reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities." The agreement also provides for a joint inspections regime, but both sides files to agree on its implementation. [Note: The Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula enters into forces on 19 February 1992 during the sixth round of high-level talks in Pyongyang.]
—Pak Hŭi Kwŏn, Hanbando Piheakhwa, (Kyŏngsewŏn: Seoul), 1992, pp. 235-237; "Nambuk Pihaeksŏnŏn T'a'gyŏl/Tongshisach'al, Haek't'ongjewidŭng Kasŏmyŏng," Hankuk Ilbo, 1 January 1992, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "'Pihaekhwa Kongdongsŏnŏn' Ch'ae't'aek/Nambuk P'anmunjŏm Chŏpch'ok," Taehan Maeil, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>;"North, South Korea Initial Breakthrough Nuclear Accord," Agence France Presse, 31 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Gene Kramer, "US Welcomes Korea Nuclear Accord," Associated Press, 31 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Paul Shin, "Koreas Initial Pact on Nuclear-Free Korean Peninsula," The Associated Press, 31 December 1991, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

	Updated September 2004