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.

5 January 2001
The Chosun Ilbo reports that at the two Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) meetings held on 30 March 2000 and 26 June 2000, the US delegation reportedly proposed to build six standard power plants instead of one of two light water nuclear reactors, as specified under the Agreed Framework. According to the documents produced from the TCOG meeting, the US delegation suggested that the proposal would help ease North Korean power shortages in a shorter time frame and at a much lower cost. However, according to the Chosun Ilbo, the South Korean government disagreed with the proposal saying that even though electricity supply to North Korea is a key issue of ongoing North-South dialogue, it cannot be mixed with the conditions of the Agreed Framework. The United States stated its dissatisfaction with South Korea's attempt to support North Korea's electricity generating capacity on its own, disregarding the Agreed Framework. The US contention is that such a move will aggravate the US position at the negotiation table with North Korea.
—Chosun Ilbo, 5 January 2000, in "ROK Daily Notes US Aim to Build 6 Power Plants in DPRK, ROKG's Objections," FBIS Document ID KPP20010105000068; Lee Ha Wŏn, "Mi 'Pug'e Hwajŏn'gŏnsŏl' Chean," Chosun Ilbo, 6 January 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

10 January 2001
A South Korean official announces that construction of two nuclear power plants under the Agreed Framework is likely to be further delayed due to contractual and funding problems. The first reactor is supposed to be built by 2003 and the second by 2004. General Electric Company of the US backed out of a deal to supply turbine generators for the project because the supply contract did not contain compensation guarantees in case of plant accidents. KEDO has now decided to award the power turbine contract to a Japan's Hitachi-Toshiba consortium. According to the official, the contract worth $100 million will be signed within six months. The official also says that work on site preparation has almost been completed and reactor construction work is expected to begin in the second half of 2001. The contract with the Japanese consortium would increase the pace of planning and constructing the nuclear power plants. However, according to the official, some South Korean lawmakers have opposed the Japanese firms' participation, saying it will only benefit Japan's economy, while turning the North Korean power stations into a Japanese model instead of Korean. Other South Korean lawmakers refute the contention, stressing that Japanese earnings from the contract will only be $250 million as compared to a $1 billion contribution to the project by Japan.
—Jae Sook Yoo, "Further Delay Expected in Nuclear Reactors for North Korea," Associated Press, 10 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 9 January 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: 2 Japanese Firms May Supply Generators to KEDO Reactor Project," FBIS Document KPP20010109000067; "Japanese Firms to Assume Reactor Project in N.K. instead of GE," Korea Herald, 10 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Associated Press, "Further Delay over Reactors Expected," South China Morning Post, 10 January 2001, <http://www.scmp.com>.

11 January 2001
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) announces that South Korea's nuclear power plants operated at the highest rate in history during the year 2000 at 90.4%. Prior to the year 2000, the highest operating rate was in 1998 at 90.2%. The 16 nuclear power plants account for 40.9% of the total electricity generated in South Korea.
—Yonhap News Agency, 11 January 2001, in "Operation of Nuclear Power Plants in South Korea Reaches Record High," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 11 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 January 2001
The Ministry of Science and Technology holds a meeting to review national inspections of nuclear facilities in 2000 in which 148 inspections were performed at 32 nuclear facilities. The meeting concludes that all facilities are in compliance with the safeguard plan approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology.
—"2000 National Inspection Results Evaluated," TCNC Newsletter, 1 February 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

13 January 2001
Song Min Sun, director general of the North American Affairs Bureau in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, says the idea of replacing a nuclear power plant, currently under construction in North Korea, with a thermal plant is unworkable "politically, economically and technologically." Song says, "Once, we reviewed the idea, but reached the conclusion that it is unworkable because of underlying problems regarding the replacement." Noting that Seoul is set to provide 70 percent of the total construction cost reaching $4.6 billion, Song said that it should have the key voice in any possible change in the agreement.
—Korea Times, 14 January 2000, in "ROK Official Says Seoul Rules out Revision of Nuclear Deal with DPRK," FBIS Document ID KPP20010114000027; Son Key Young, "Seoul Rules Out Revision of LWR Deal," Korea Times, 14 January 2001, <http://www.hankooki.com/times.htm>.

16 January 2001
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy holds a panel meeting to discuss ways to promote the export of the Korean Standard Nuclear Power (KSNP) plant. The panel decides to form a consultative committee of experts in the nuclear and construction field to search for new contracts to build nuclear power plants in other countries, especially China. The panel also encourages domestic companies such as the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to form a consortium with Westinghouse. In addition, the committee plans to help domestic companies export technology related to plant operation, equipment, fuel, plant design, repair and maintenance.
—"Seoul Promoting Exports of Nuclear Power Technology," Korea Herald, 17 January 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Chosun Ilbo, 19 January 2001, in "ROK to Pursue Nuclear Power Plant Construction Projects Overseas," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010119000060.

16 January 2001
Ulchin-2 nuclear power reactor temporarily shuts down due to a complete closing off of the steam circuit belt. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, no radioactive leaks are reported and Ulchin-2 is expected to resume operations on 17 January.
—Kim Chong Du, "Ulchinwŏnjŏn Handdae 'Stop'," Segye Ilbo, 17 January 2001, p. 21, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Kang Sŏk Ki, "Ulchinwŏnjŏn 2 Hogi Kadongjungdan...Chŏnggigŏmsadojung Wŏnjaro Chŏngji," Donga Ilbo, 17 January 2001, p. 31, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

18 January 2001
South Korea and Brazil sign an agreement on cooperation in the areas of nuclear power, information technology and biological science. In addition, the two countries agree to increase bilateral trade and to cooperate on international issues.
—"S. Korea-Brazil South Korea and Brazil Consolidate Bilateral Relations," EFE News Service, 18 January 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee T'ae Hŭi, "Han-Brazil T'ŭkbyŏlbonja'gwan'gye Habŭi," Munhwa Ilbo, 18 January 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

19 January 2001
The Ministry of Science and Technology and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission sign an Exchange of Notes on the transfer of a tritium removal facility. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) plans to construct a tritium removal facility at the Wŏlsŏng nuclear power plant site to extract tritium, which builds up in the heavy water moderator and coolant of the CANDU reactors.
—"MOST-CNSC Meets for Transferring TRF to Wolsong," TCNC Newsletter, 1 February 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

1 February 2001
KEDO issues an Authorization to Proceed allowing KEPCO to commence negotiations with the Doosan Heavy Industries and Construction Company to begin preliminary work on the turbine generators for the KEDO light water reactor project. [Note: the General Electric Company (GE) was to be the supplier of the turbine generators, but after failing to receive liability guarantees from the US Congress, GE pulled out of the KEDO project.]
—KEDO 2001 Annual Report, p. 10, Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, <http://www.kedo.org/pdfs/KEDO_AR_2002.pdf>.

3 February 2001
Desaix Anderson, director general of KEDO, says that construction of the two light water nuclear reactors in North Korea would be continued even though the Bush administration has pursued the replacement of the light water reactors with conventional power plants. He dismisses media reports of replacing one LWR with a thermal plant.
—Shin Joong Dong, Joongang Ilbo, 4 February 2001, in "KEDO Denies Report of Substituting Thermal Plant for Reactor in DPRK," FBIS Document ID KPP20010204000047; Shin Chung Ton, "Taebuk Kyŏngsuro Hwaryŏkpaljŏnso Taech'e Koryŏanhae," Joongang Ilbo, 5 February 2001, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

19-21 February 2001
Charles Kartman, US special envoy for Korean affairs, meets with South Korean officials in Seoul to discuss various issues. While in Seoul, Kartman meets with Chan Sun Sup, head of South Korea's Office of Planning for the Light Water Reactor Project. The two reportedly discuss recent developments in the KEDO project, including the employment of 250 Uzbeks to work on the project beginning in March.
—"U.S. Envoy to Meet Officials in N.K. Reactor Project," Korea Herald, 20 February 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27 February 2001
South Korea and Russia make a joint statement on their support of the nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and agree to uphold the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. This statement is viewed by many as South Korea and Russia's opposition to the proposed US missile defense system. South Korean officials deny these allegations.
—"Washington Downplays Significance of Joint S Korea-Russia Statement," Agence France Presse, 28 February 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Interfax News Agency, 27 February 2001, in "Russia: ROK Confirm Devotion to Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction," FBIS Document ID: CEP20010227000125.

28 February 2001
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) announces that no applications have been received from local governments to house the nation's first nuclear waste site. The government has been looking for nuclear waste disposal sites since June 2000 and has offered a subsidy of $234.4 million to the local government chosen to house the waste.
—Yonhap News Agency, 28 February 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: Deadline for Nuke Waste Site Approaching and Still no Takers," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010228000029; Lee Byŏng Ki, "Haekp'yegimul Ch'ŏrijang Yuch'ishinch'ŏng Chŏnmu...Kihanyŏnjangdŭng Taech'aek Kŏmt'o," Donga Ilbo, 1 March 2001, p. 25, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

2 March 2001
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy decides to extend the application period for local governments interested in hosting a nuclear waste site by four months. The decision comes after no applications are received at the end of the original deadline. According to MOCIE, if no applications are received the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) will select a site. KEPCO has been selected as the government's contractor to build the nuclear waste site.
—Yonhap News Agency, 2 March 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: Ministry Extends Applications for Nuke Waste Site to June," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010302000021; Kim In Hyŏn, "Haekp'yejang Kongmo Yŏnjang," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 3 March 2001, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

8 March 2001
The Atomic Energy Safety Commission approves the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute's (KAERI) plan to process and supply nuclear fuel for the Hi-Flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor (HANARO). In addition, KAERI will also produce 45 bundles a year of fuel rods for the HANARO research reactor and 420kg of mixed powder used in making fuel rods for exports.
—Yonhap News Agency, 8 March 2001, in "S Korea to Produce R&D Nuclear Reactor Fuel Rods," Asia Pulse, 9 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 March 2001
KEPCO, the main contractor for the KEDO light water reactor project, announces that the Dong Ah Construction Industrial Company will no longer participate in the project, thus leaving its 20 percent share of the construction project to be divided among the other three companies subcontracted for the project.
—Yonhap News Agency, 9 March 2001, in "South Firm's Share in North's Reactor Project to Be Taken on by Partners," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 14 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

10-13 March 2001
A KEDO delegation travels to Pyongyang "to participate in high-level negotiations" with North Korea officials regarding the light water reactor project.
—"KEDO Delegation Arrives," Korean Central News Agency, 10 March 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Chosŏnbando'e'nerŭgigaebalgigu (KEDO) Tae'p'yodan Toch'ak," Korean Central News Agency, 10 March 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "KEDO Delegation Leaves," Korean Central News Agency, 13 March 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "KEDO Tae'p'yodan'i Ddŏnakatta," Korean Central News Agency, 13 March 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Korean Central Broadcasting Station, 13 March 2001, in "DPRK Radio reports Departure of KEDO Delegation," FBIS Document ID KPP20010313000113.

13 March 2001
The head of the North Korean delegation for inter-ministerial talks, which are scheduled to begin today in Seoul, calls his counterpart in Seoul to inform him that North Korea will have to postpone the talks. Chŏn Kŭm Chin, the North Korean representative gives no reason for the sudden postponement, but some speculate the reason may be health problems for Chŏn, the recent summit between Kim Dae Jung and George W. Bush, or the perceived US hard-line policy towards North Korea.
—"5th Inter-Korea Ministerial Talks Postponed," Chosun Ilbo, 13 March 2001, <http://www.chosun.com>; Lee Young-jong and Lee Soo-jeong, "North Abruptly Calls Off Meeting," Joongang Ilbo, 14 March 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; Associated Press, in "North Korea Cancels Talks With South Korea," New York Times, 12 March 2001, <http://www.nytimes.com>; Kim In Ku, "Changgwankŭp Hoedam Puk, Tolyŏn'yŏngi," Chosun Ilbo, 14 March 2001, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

15 March 2001
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announces it has developed a new technology to lessen the effects of an earthquake on nuclear reactors.
—Han Byŏng Kwon, "Chijinch'ŭnggyŏk Wŏnch'ŏnjŏk Wanhwa 3 Ch'awŏn Naejin Bearing Kaebal," Kukmin Ilbo, 16 March 2001, p.7, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

16 March 2001
South Korea and the Czech Republic sign an agreement to cooperate in the field of atomic energy and to share manufacturing technology and information on the use of radioactive isotopes for medical purposes.
—Yonhap News Agency, 16 March 2001, in "S. Korea: President Holds Talks With Czech Premier on Bilateral Cooperation," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 16 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S. Korea, Czech Republic Seeking Close Ties," Xinhua General News Agency, 16 March 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 March 2001
Rumania's Foreign Minister requests Korean companies to participate in the construction of nuclear plants in Rumania during a three-day visit to Seoul. Representatives from Rumania met with South Korean nuclear experts and visited nuclear power plants in Wŏlsŏng and Yŏnggwang earlier this month.
—Korea Times, 22 March 2001, in "Romanian FM Asks ROK to Join Infrastructure, Nuclear Projects," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010322000090.

26 March 2001
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy announces the government's plan to invest $179 million this year to enhance technology for nuclear power generation. The plan is an eight-year project consisting of eight areas including the development of nuclear design code systems, code systems for nuclear safety, and environmental protection measures for the soil around nuclear waste sites.
—Yonhap News Agency, 26 March 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: Gov't to Pour 23.5 Billion Won into Nuclear Technology Upgrade," FBIS Document ID; KPP20010326000011; Yŏm Ho Sang, "Sanjabu, Wŏnjŏn'gisul Kodohwa Ol 235 Ŏkwŏn T'uja," Segye Ilbo, 27 March 2001, p. 10, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

27 March 2001
A 15-member delegation comprised of officials from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, the Korea Electric Power Corporation, the Korea Power Engineering Company, and Hyundai Industries Corporation leave to have talks with officials from China's nuclear sector. The delegation plans to hold talks on how Korean companies can participate in the construction of nuclear power plants in China. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, Korean companies are considering forming a consortium with Westinghouse Electric Company to enter the Chinese market.
—Yonhap News Agency, 27 March 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: Ministry Sends Nuclear Energy Industry Team to China," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010327000045; Kim In Hyŏn, "Wŏnjaryŏkhyŏmnyŏktan Chung'guk P'agyŏn," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 28 March 2001, p. 22, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

28 March 2001
Chang Sŏn Sŏp, head of South Korea's Office of Planning for the Light Water Reactor Project, says that replacing the light water nuclear reactors with thermoelectric power plants would be impractical. He says, "There would be difficulties in revising the Agreed Framework and the replacement would not be of help in reducing the construction period or curtailing of costs."
—Yonhap News Agency, 28 March 2001, in "Thermoelectric Power Plant Construction in DPRK 'Impractical'," FBIS Document ID KPP200010328000030; Pak Yong Hyŏn, "Puk Kyŏngsuro Hwajŏndaech'e Hyŏnshilsŏng Opsŏ/Chang Sŏn Sŏp Kihoekdanjang," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 29 March 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

30 March 2001
Korean officials announce it will build its first Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor (APR) at Shin-Kori-3 and -4. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) plans to build four 1,400MW(e) APRs by 2014. The APR was originally named the Korea Next Generation Reactor (KNGR) and was intended to be a 1,300MW(e) PWR. [Note: KEPCO offers The Korea Heavy Industry and Construction Company (Hanjung) and CE a formal invitation to bid to supply the reactors for Shin-Kori-1 and -2 in April 2001. A formal contract is expected to be signed later this year.]
—Mark Hibbs, "KEPCO Plans First 1,400-MW PWRs at Shin-Kori, Four Units by 2014," Nucleonics Week, 5 April 2001, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 April 2001
The Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) is created as a subsidiary of the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). KHNP manages and oversees all nuclear power plants in South Korea.
—Mark Hibbs, "Korean Regulators Warns KHNP to Prevent Station Blackouts," Nucleonics Week, 19 April 2001, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, <http://www.khnp.co.kr/>.

9 April 2001
The Ministry of Science and Technology informs the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company of the nuclear power plant blackout in Taiwan. In addition, MOST warns KHNP of the dangers of a blackout and orders the Yŏnggwang and Kori stations to take immediate action to assure that the emergency diesel generators are operating in case of a blackout, and to assure that they have alternative supplies of AC power.
—Mark Hibbs, "Korean Regulators Warns KHNP to Prevent Station Blackouts," Nucleonics Week, 19 April 2001, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

19 April 2001
Russia's Minister of Atomic Energy announces that Russia plans to pursue a program to reprocess South Korea's nuclear waste, including spent fuel. According to the Minister, Russia's lower house passed a bill allowing the import of nuclear waste from other countries. Russia hopes to obtain contracts with South Korea, Japan and Taiwan after the bill is passed in the federal assembly.
—Donga Ilbo, 20 April 2001, in "Russia Intends to Take in ROK's Nuclear Waste," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010420000116.

20 April 2001
The International Energy Agency (IEA) approves South Korea's accession to the organization. Membership to the IEA allows South Korea to work together with other countries to control oil supplies during emergencies, share energy information, coordinate energy policies and cooperate in the development of rational energy programs.
—Yonhap News Agency, 20 April 2001, in "International Energy Agency Admits South Korea," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010420000078.

Late April 2001
At the annual Korea Atomic Industrial Forum (KAIF) in Seoul, Korean officials site economic factors as the main decision behind constructing PWRs rather than Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited's CANDU reactors. According to officials at KAIF, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy and utility companies conducted a three-year study and concluded that it was more efficient to build more Korean Standard Nuclear Plants. In addition, heavy water reactors cost more to maintain, and CANDU units generate more spent fuel than the PWRs.
—Mark Hibbs, "Economics Led Factors Losing Shin-Wolsong Bid for AECL," Nucleonics Week, 26 April 2001, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

1 May 2001
Ulchin-1 and -2 nuclear power reactors are temporarily shut down at 1:40 and 4:53 AM due to congregations of shrimp blocking the generators. According to the Korea Electric Power Corporation the reactors will resume operations following a clean-up, and no other accidents have been reported. Both power plants were shut down in 1997 on two and three occasions due to the same problem of shrimp blocking the generators.
—Cha Byong Hak, "Shrimp Shut Down Power Plant," Chosun Ilbo, 1 May 2001, <http://english.chosun.com/>; O Ch'ŏl U, "Saeudde' Sŭpkyŏge' Ch'ŏmdanwŏnjŏn 'Pŏlbŏl'/ Ulchin 1.2 Hogi Kadongjungdan," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 2 May 2001, p. 15, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

1 May 2001
KEDO's Executive Board names Charles Kartman as the new executive director of KEDO.
—KEDO 2001 Annual Report, p. 10, Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, <http://www.kedo.org/pdfs/KEDO_AR_2002.pdf>.

1-5 May 2001
A KEDO delegation visits Pyongyang to participate in "high-level expert negotiations" with North Korea. The talks are in regard to the provision of two LWRs under the Agreed Framework. It is later revealed that quality guarantee protocols are covered in the talks, and that North Korea agrees it will be the responsible party for operating the reactors, and that it will accept responsibility for any accidents at the site.
—"KEDO Delegation Here," Korean Central News Agency, 2 May 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "KEDO Delegation Leaves," Korean Central News Agency, 2 May 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Yonhap News Agency, 2 May 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KEDO Mission Flies to DPRK to Hold High-Level Talks," FBIS Document ID KPP20010502000141; Korean Central News Agency, 2 May 2001, in "DPRK Radio Reports on KEDO Delegation's 1 May Arrival," FBIS Document ID KPP20010502000051; Korean Central News Agency, 5 May 2001, in "KEDO Experts End Round of Negotiations in Pyongyang," FBIS Document ID JPP20010505000044; "North Responsible in Reactor Mishaps," Joongang Ilbo, 28 May 2001, <http://english.joins.com>.

7 May 2001
South Korean media report that the United States has decided to replace the two light-water nuclear reactors being constructed in North Korea by KEDO with thermal power stations. According to reports, President Bush has instructed Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage to inform South Korea and Japan of the decision during his upcoming diplomatic trip to South Korea and Japan. However, a spokesman for the South Korean government says that the United States does not have the final decision over the replacement of the light-water reactors with conventional power plants.
—Kyodo News Service, 7 May 2001, in "South Korea Denies Reports on Change in North Korea Nuclear Energy Plans," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 7 May 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee Ch'ŏl Hui, "Mi, Pukhan Kyŏngsuro 'Hwaryŏkpaljŏnso' Ro Taech'e Pangch'im," Joongang Ilbo, 7 May 2001, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Ryu Chae Hu, "Puk Kyŏngsuro Hwajŏn Taech'e Nollan Kyesok," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 8 May 2001, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

16-18 May 2001
The 22nd US-South Korea Joint Standing Committee for Nuclear Energy Cooperation is held in Washington, DC. The two sides discuss policy, technical cooperation, nuclear safety cooperation and safeguards. On 16 May, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the US Department of Energy sign the first International Nuclear Energy Research Initiative (I-NERI). The I-NERI is a program created by the Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology to encourage research on nuclear technology through international collaboration. The agreement with South Korea allows the two countries to fund joint project teams. The two countries are expected to issue their first call for proposals in early July.
—"Late News in Brief," Nuclear News, July 2001, p. 67, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "22nd JSCNEC Making Form and Continuous Cooperation," TCNC Newsletter, 1 June 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/
Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

17 May 2001
The Wŏlsŏng-3 nuclear reactor is shut down due to a power supply failure of the turbine auxiliary system programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller directs the lubricating oil pump and other accessories to the turbine engine.
—Yonhap News Agency, 18 May 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: Nuclear Reactor Fails, Stops Operation," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010517000115; "Notes to Nucleonics Week's Generating Table for May 2001," Nucleonics Week, 12 July 2001, p. 16, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 May 2001
Five construction companies are hoping to bid for the construction of Shin-Kori-1 through -4 nuclear power reactors, and Shin-Wŏlsŏng-1 and -2. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is expected to ask for bids in January 2002 for Shin-Kori-1 and -2, in June 2002 for Shin-Wŏlsŏng-1 and -2, and in December 2002 for Shin-Kori-3 and -4. The construction companies interested in bidding include the SK Engineering & Construction (E&C) Company, the LG E&C Company, Sanwhan Enterprises, the Sambu E&C Company, and Hyundai E&C Company. The five companies are reportedly considering forming a consortium.
—Lee Jae Hee, "Five Builders Vying for Nuclear Power Plants," Korea Herald, 24 May 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

26 May 2001
James Kelly, US representative to the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG), briefs his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on the US policy review of North Korea. He says, "We are in the final stage of the comprehensive review of US policy toward North Korea." All three delegations agree that consultation and coordinated policy is needed towards several issues regarding North Korea, including missiles, WMD, and humanitarian issues. The delegations reaffirm their commitment to the Agreed Framework, and express strong support for South Korea's engagement policy towards North Korea.
—"Brief Comments from Three Delegations after TCOG Talks," Joongang Ilbo, 29 May 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; "TCOG Issues Joint-Statement on North Korea," Chosun Ilbo, 30 May 2001, <http://www.chosun.com>; Ch'oe Hyŏn Su, "Han · Mi ·Il Taebuk Chojŏnghoeŭi/'Puk · Mi Taehwa Wŏnjŏmsŏ Chae'gae'," Kukmin Ilbo, 28 May 2001, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

29 May 2001
After the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) meeting in Honolulu, senior officials from South Korea, the United States and Japan hold an unofficial meeting to discuss North Korea policy. During the meeting, South Korean Unification Minister Im Tong Wŏn, former US Deputy Secretary of Defense William Perry William Perry, and Ryozo Kato, who is later named the new Deputy Vice Foreign Minister of Japan, review the Bush administration's policy toward North Korea.
—"Unification Minister in Honolulu Unification Minister Lim Dong-Won Left for Hawaii Yesterday to Attend an Informal Yet Significant Meeting with U.S. and Japanese Experts on North Korea Policy," Korea Times, 28 May 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Han · Mi · Il O'nŭl Pi'gongshik Taebukchŏngch'aekhoeŭi/Kelly Ch'a'gwanbodŭng Shilmuch'aegimja Ch'amsŏk Chumok," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 30 May 2001, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

27-31 May 2001
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) holds a seminar in Egypt to discuss the status and near prospects of small and medium reactors from industrialized and developing countries. At the seminar, the president of the Korean Nuclear Society announces South Korea will begin construction of a 65MW(e) pilot plant in August as the final design phase of the System Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor (SMART), which is expected to be completed by June 2007. The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) has been working on the SMART reactor since 1997 and the conceptual design was completed in March 1999.
—"Interest in Small Reactors Led by Korea, South Africa," Nuclear News, July 2001, p. 58, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Gamini Seneviratne, "South Korea to Build Smart PWR Pilot with Government Funding," Nucleonics Week, 14 June 2001, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

31 May 2001
South Korea and Russia hold talks on cooperating in the field of atomic energy. During the talks, both sides agree to increase cooperation by exchanging experts in the production and use of radioactive isotope for medical and industrial purposes. In addition, they agree to cooperate in the technological development of advanced nuclear reactors, and radioactive waste treatment.
—"Korea, Russia Hold Atomic Energy Cooperation Meeting," Ministry of Science and Technology, 4 June 2001, <http://www.most.go.kr>.

Mid 2001
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) awards contracts for the construction of Yŏnggwang-5 and -6 nuclear power reactors. ITT A-C Pump is awarded a contract to provide the main circulating water pumps, the turbine building open circulating water pumps and the fire protection systems.
—"Contracts Awarded for Korean Nuclear Station," Power, May 2001/June 2001, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Mid 2001
According to a Nuclear Fuel report, US officials believe the Bush administration will stick to its current policy of not allowing South Korea to reprocess US-originated spent fuel. The US recently released new energy policy initiatives which include pyroprocessing and other spent fuel reprocessing technologies. South Korean officials expressed interest in whether these initiatives would apply to Korea, but US officials highly doubt the Bush administration will switch from its current policy.
—Mark Hibbs, "US Won't Approve Reprocessing Despite ROK-BNFL-Cogema Study," Nuclear Fuel, 11 June 2001, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

June 2001
The United States and South Korea begin a joint study on confidence-building measures (CBMs) with North Korea to address Pyongyang's ballistic missiles, WMD programs and conventional forces. The joint study team reportedly completes the first part of the study in late February 2002, with 32 items to be proposed for CBMs with North Korea.
—Jong-Heon Lee, "U.S. Moves to Tackle Conventional Weapons," United Press International, 28 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; C.W. Lim, "US and South Korea Study Ways to Ease Tensions with North," Agence France Presse, 28 February 2002, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim Min-Seok, "U.S. to Join Effort to Limit North's Arms," Joongang Ilbo, 28 March 2002, <http://english.joins.com>; Yu Yong Wŏn, "[Han-Mi] Taebuk Kunsashilloejoch'i Maryŏn...Hotline Tŭng Hyŏpsang," Chosun Ilbo, 27 February 2002, <http://www.chosun.com>; Kim Kwi Kŭn, "[Han-Mi, CBM Kongdong'yŏn'gusŏnggwawa Chŏnmang]," Chosun Ilbo, 27 February 2002, <http://www.chosun.com>; Kim Kwi Kŭn, "Hanmi, Kunsashilloejoch'i Kongdongdaeŭng Hab'ŭi," Chosun Ilbo, 27 February 2002, <http://www.chosun.com>.

3 June 2001
A report by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources reveals active faults near the Wŏlsŏng area with three of them located within 5km of a nuclear power plant. The US Nuclear Regulatory Commission bans the construction of nuclear power plants within 8km of an active faults more than 300 meter long.
—Kim Duck Han, "Active Fault Found Near Wolseong Nuclear Plant," Chosun Ilbo, 4 June 2001, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Yun Sŏng Hye, "Kyŏngbuk Wŏlsŏngwŏnjŏn Hwalsŏngdanch'ung Nollan," Munhwa Ilbo, 4 July 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

4 June 2001
Charles Kartman, executive director of KEDO, says the United States will not provide any compensation for delays in the construction of two light water reactors in North Korea. However, Kartman denies reports that the reactors will be replaced with conventional power plants.
—Charles Lee, "N. Korea's Demand for Compensation Rejected," United Press International, 4 June 2001.

4 June 2001
The Ministry of Science and Technology denies the existence of active faults near nuclear power plants in Wŏlsŏng. According to the Ministry and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the sites for nuclear power plants were completed in the 1980's when there were no signs of active faults, and the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources did not conduct geological surveys until 1995. In addition, a researcher at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources says that the possibility of the fault near Wŏlsŏng being active is 50 percent and its length is only 150 meters.
— Cha Byŏng Hak, "Officials See no Cause for Alarm over Active Faults," Chosun Ilbo, 4 June 2001, <http://english.chosun.com>; Lee Chi Dong, "Ministry Denies Report on Active Faults Near Nuclear Plant," Korea Times, 4 June 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Lee Yŏng Wan, "Wŏlsŏngwŏnjŏn In'gŭnjich'ŭng Anida," Donga Ilbo, 5 July 2001, p. 29, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

6 June 2001
The Ministry of Science and Technology's denial that there are no active faults near the Wŏlsŏng nuclear power plant prove to be wrong. A researcher from the Korea Institute of Geological and Mineral Resources admits providing conflicting information about the classification of an active fault. The researcher stated that there was only one earthquake in the Wŏlsŏng area in over 380,000 years, which conflicts with the research findings that found there had been one earthquake between 31,000 and 52,000 years ago.
—"Faults Near Nuclear Plant Could be Active: Oxford University," Chosun Ilbo, 6 June 2001, <http://english.chosun.com>.

9 June 2001
South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Han Sŭng Su says he is confident that the Bush administration will abide by the Agreed Framework. Han met with White House and State Department officials last week in Washington. Han quotes officials as saying that the new target date for transferring the two light water reactors is 2008.
—Jim Mann, "U.S. Is Seen As Ready To Fulfill 1994 North Korea Reactor Deal," Los Angeles Times, 10 June 2001, p. 4.

14 June 2001
South Korean Unification Minister Im Tong Wŏn says that South Korea has no intention of linking the supply of electricity to North Korea with the issues of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile proliferation.
—Lee Chul Hee, "No Linkage Seen in Aid to North, Nuclear Issue," Joongang Ilbo, 15 June 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; "Seoul Opposes Proposal to Link N.K. Energy Aid with Missiles," Korea Herald, 15 June 2001, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr>.

14 June 2001
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Limited agrees to provide Hyundai Heavy Industries Company with the manufacturing technology for pumps used in nuclear power plants. In addition, Mitsubishi plans to export equipment and dispatch a team of engineers to South Korea to offer instruction on design and manufacturing.
—Nikkei, 15 June 2001, in "Mitsubishi Heavy to Give Hyundai Heavy Nuke Power Pump Tech," Asia Pulse, 15 June 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 June 2001
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announces it will sign an agreement with "CHESTEN," a Moroccan institute for peaceful atomic energy research. According to KAERI, the two institutes plan to agree on promoting the exchange of information and technology, the development of small and medium sized nuclear reactors, and the production of isotopes.
—Yonhap News Agency, 18 June 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KAERI to Sign Cooperation Pact with Moroccan Counterpart," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010618000028.

20 June 2001
At a luncheon hosted by the Korea Society in New York, Charles Kartman, executive director of KEDO, says that there will be no more delays in the construction of the two light water reactors in North Korea.
—Yonhap News Agency, 21 June 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: No More Delays in Reactor Project: Kartman," FBIS Document ID KPP20010621000049.

21 June 2001
South Korean Defense Minister Kim Dong Shin meets with US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in Washington, D.C. The two agree on a number of issues, including: the United States should maintain a long-term military presence in Korea to ensure regional stability; the United States and South Korea should strengthen military readiness against North Korea and develop an allied defense posture for the 21st century; and North Korea poses a threat with its nuclear and missile programs, and must submit to IAEA inspections. Secretary Rumsfeld also expresses US support for Kim Dae Jung's engagement policy towards North Korea. The two sides also agree that South Korea should take the lead in negotiating conventional arms control issues with North Korea, which seems contradictory to the results of the Bush review of policy towards North Korea announced on 6 June 2001.
—Jefferson Morris, "Rumsfeld, S. Korean Minister Agree On North Korea Policies," Aerospace Daily, 22 June 2001; Kyodo News Service, 22 June 2001, in "U.S., S. Korea Reaffirm Threats from N. Korea," FBIS Document ID JPP20010622000001; Yonhap News Agency, 22 June 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: S.K. to Take Initiative in Conventional Forces talks with N.K.," FBIS Document ID KPP20010622000004; Kim Kwang-tae, "Seoul Set To Take Up Conventional Weapons Issue After Kim's return," Korea Times, 25 June 2001, <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr>; US Reaffirms Security Commitment to Korea," Korea Times, 23 June 2001, <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr>; "[Sasŏl] Han-Mi Kukpangjanggwanhoedam Ihu," Taehan Mail, 23 June 2001, p. 5, <http://www.kdaily.com>; Taehan Mail, 23 June 2001, in "ROK Daily Views Result of ROK-US Defense Ministerial Talks," FBIS Document ID KPP20010622000108; Chin Kyŏng Ho and Pak Ch'an Ku, "Nambuk Chaeraemugihyŏpsang 'Sonswiun Ŭijebut'ŏ Chŏpkŭn'," Taehan Maeil, 23 June 2001, p. 5, <http://www.kdaily.com>; Chin Kyong-ho, Taehan Maeil, 23 June 2001, in "Prospects for N-S Korea Negotiations on Conventional Weapons Reductions Viewed," FBIS Document ID KPP20010622000110, Yu Yong Wŏn, "Hanmikukpang Anbogongjoman Chaehwagin," Chosun Ilbo, 23 June 2001, p. 4, <http://www.chosun.com>; Yu Yong-won, Chosun Ilbo, 23 June 2001, in "ROK Daily Suspects Opinion Difference in ROK-US Defense Ministers' Talks," FBIS Document ID KPP20010622000101.

25 June 2001
KEDO officials say that 21 North Korean policymakers will be invited to a briefing on 28 June at the light water reactor construction site in [Kŭmho-chigu], Shinp'o, North Korea. North Korean officials requested the briefing so that they could inform their superiors on the progress of the project. Cho Kyu Hyŏng, deputy executive director of KEDO, will give the briefing.
—Yonhap News Agency, 26 June 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KEDO to Brief N.K. Officials at Reactor Construction Site," FBIS Document ID KPP20010626000003.

July 2001
The Sixth Conference of the Parties (COP-6) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is held in Bonn. During the Conference, South Korean officials do not support Japan in including nuclear energy in the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). South Korea and other Asian countries initially supported including nuclear energy in the CDM during an IAEA meeting last year. [Note: South Korean officials admit in August that their failure to support including nuclear energy is because it would give advanced nuclear countries like Japan an advantage in China and other emerging Asian nuclear markets.]
—Mark Hibbs, "Korean-Japanese Rivalry Shaping Seoul's Policies on Kyoto Protocol," Nucleonics Week, 23 August 2001, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Early July 2001
South Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan and the US agree to jointly conduct research on the disposal of nuclear waste.
—Yonhap News Agency, 4 July 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: Five Nations Agree to Joint Research on Disposal of Nuclear Waste," FBIS Document ID: KPP20010704000004; Lee Yŏng Lee, "Han-Mi-Il-Chung-Daeman Haekp'yegimul Ch'ŏri Kongdongyŏn'gu," Donga Ilbo, 5 July 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

1 July 2001
The South Korean government decides to unilaterally designate a site to deposit nuclear waste. The decision comes after the government's unsuccessful attempt to select a site through an application process in which the selected kun [county] or city receives financial benefits.
—No Jun Hun, "Gov't to Build Spent Fuel Repository," Korea Times, 1 July 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

4-6 July 2001
North and South Korea hold the first direct meetings on export control issues regarding the supply of the light water reactors under the Agreed Framework. The meeting is held in Hyangsan, North Korea, and it addresses the export controls of the United States, South Korea and Japan.
—Kim Jong Suk, "The First South-North Direct Consultation on Export Control Related to KEDO Project," TCNC Newsletter, July/August 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/Tcncnews.htm>.

5 July 2001
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announces it has developed the world's first treatment for liver cancer using radioisotope injections. The injections are made up of radioactive material produced in the Hi-Flux Advanced Neutron Application Reactor (HANARO).
—Lee Chi Dong, "Local Scientists Develop Injection to Treat Liver Cancer," Korea Times, 6 July 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

12 July 2001
Prime Minister Lee Han Dong approves the government's finalized new nuclear power policy. The new policy calls for the completion of four nuclear power reactors currently under construction by 2006, and four new reactors to start construction in 2004. In addition, the policy calls for the construction of a nuclear waste disposal facility by 2008 and of an interim waste storage facility by 2016. In addition, the South Korean government announces plans to build a series of new nuclear power plants in order to reduce foreign dependence on oil, and to meet projected energy demands. The new plan calls for the completion of four new reactors by 2006 (Yŏnggwang-5 and -6, and Ulchin-5 and -6), of which two are already under construction in Yŏnggwang. In addition to the four reactors, the government plans to add six more between 2006 and 2011. These include Shin-Kori-1 through -4, and Shin Wŏlsŏng-1 and -2. According to the plan, eight of the new reactors will be 1,000MW(e) pressurized water reactors (PWRs), and two will be 1,400MW(e) next generation design reactors.
—"South Korea to Build 10 New Nuclear Plant," Energy Daily, 18 July 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Twenty Nuclear Reactors to go in Full Operation by 2006," Ministry of Science and Technology, 18 July 2001, <http://www.most.go.kr>; Pae Kyŏng Rok, "Wŏnjŏn 4 Ki Kŏnsol 2006 Nyŏn Wallyo/Wŏnjaryŏkchinhŭnggyehoek Hwakchŏng Ulchin 5.6 Hogidŭng Ch'ujin," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 13 July 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

15 July 2001
The Chosun Ilbo reports that between 1 January 2001 and 20 June 2001, the South Korean government borrowed W172.5 billion with an interest of W17.1 billion in order to finance its share of the LWR project in North Korea. The National Assembly has delayed legislation to levy a 3.0 percent tax on South Korean utility costs to finance the South Korean share of the project.
—Chosun Ilbo, 15 July 2001, in "Interest on LWR for DPRK Reaches 36.1 Billion Won," FBIS Document ID KPP20010715000002. Kim In Ku, "Pukkyŏngsuro Han'gukpun'dan'gŭm," Chosun Ilbo, 16 July 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

16 July 2001
South Korean President Kim Dae Jung issues an amended presidential decree to implement and enforce the South Korean Atomic Energy Act. The changes include the establishment of a review committee for export controls, which could affect the delivery of nuclear components and technology for the light water reactors under the Agreed Framework.
—Kim Jong Suk, "Amendment of Presidential Decree of the Act for Reinforced Nuclear Control Framework," TCNC Newsletter, July/August 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/NL010708/Newsletter-010708.htm>.

23 July 2001
South Korea and the Ukraine sign an agreement calling for cooperation in atomic power generation, nuclear safety and the production of isotopes. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology, the agreement will provide opportunities for South Korea to participate in nuclear power projects in the Ukraine.
—Yonhap News Agency, 23 July 2001, in "S Korea, Ukraine Sign Atomic Energy Cooperation Pact," Asia Pulse, 23 July 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Han Ukraine Wŏnjaryŏk Hyŏmnyŏkhyŏpjŏng," Taehan Maeil, 24 July 2001, p. 10, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

Late July 2001
South Korea signs a charter that formally establishes the Generation IV International Forum (GIF). The GIF was established to increase international cooperation in developing the next generation advanced reactor and fuel technologies. The charter provides the basic framework for member countries to plan and conduct collaborative research on advanced nuclear power technology. Other countries to sign the charter include the US, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, France, and the UK.
—Elaine Hiruo, "Charter Establishes Framework for Generation IV Collaboration," Nucleonics Week, 26 July 2001, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

August 2001
The Vietnamese government briefs both US and South Korean officials on a study conducted on the feasibility of nuclear power projects in Vietnam. In addition, Vietnamese and South Korean officials meet to discuss Vietnam's nuclear plans and the sale of natural gas to South Korea.
—Mark Hibbs, "Vietnam in Talks with ROK, US on Power Reactor Possibilities," Nucleonics Week, 16 August 2001, p. 5, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 August 2001
South Korea and Egypt sign an agreement on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
—Cairo MENA, 12 August 2001, in "Egypt, South Korea Sign Agreement on Peaceful Use of Nuclear Power," FBIS Document ID: GMP20010814000106.

13-24 August 2001
Six North Korean nuclear specialists participate in a 12-day "Training Course on State Systems of Accounting for and Control of Nuclear Material" in Canberra and Sydney, Australia. The program also includes participants from Australia, China, South Korea, and New Zealand.
—Kim Ji Ho, "N.K. Officials Receiving Nuclear Safety Training in Australia: Amb. Heseltine," Korea Herald, 23 August 2001, <http://www.koreaherald.co.kr>; Kyodo News Service, 23 August 2001, in "N. Korean Officials Get Nuke Safety Training in Australia," FBIS Document ID JPP20010823000092; Park Sung Ki, "SSAC Training Course Held in Australia," TCNC Newsletter, 1 October 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

20 August 2001
A team of nuclear experts from South Korea visit a heavy water plant in Romania and is expected to visit the Cernavoda nuclear power plant. The South Korean officials conclude that Romania's heavy water is suitable for nuclear reactors in Korea.
—Rompress, 21 August 2001, in "S Korea: Experts Visit Romanian Nuclear Plant, Discuss Importing Heavy Water," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 21 August 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21-25 August 2001
A high-level KEDO delegation meets with North Korean officials in Pyongyang to discuss the supply of the two light water reactors under the Agreed Framework.
—"KEDO High-Level Experts Negotiation Delegation Here," Korean Central News Agency, 21 August 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "KEDO Kowigŭpchŏnmun'gahyŏpsangdae'p'yodan Toch'ak," Korean Central News Agency, 21 August 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Delegates in Pyongyang for Talks over Nuclear Deal," Agence France Presse, 21 August 2001; Central Broadcasting Station, 25 August 2001, in "Korean Energy Organization Delegation Leaves North," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 26 August 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 August 2001
The Korea Nuclear Fuel Company (KNFC) experiences a uranium hexafluoride (UF6) leak during a routine maintenance operation. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the leak was contained to the facility and did not spread into the surrounding environment. Additional inspectors are expected to investigate the exact cause of the leak.[Note: MOST reports on 24 August that three employees of the Korea Nuclear Fuel Company were exposed to minimal amounts of radiation during the accident.]
—Yonhap News Agency, 24 August 2001, in "ROK Nuclear Fuel Plant Reports Uranium Gas Leak," FBIS Document ID: KPP200010824000019; Kim Sang Yŏn, "Uranyumgongjangsŏ Gasŭ Nuch'ul Chag'ŏpcha 3 Myŏng Pangsasŏn Noch'ul," Donga Ilbo, 25 August 2001, p. 31, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

26 August 2001
Ulchin-1 nuclear power reactor is shut down at 9:32 AM due to jellyfish blocking the inflow of seawater to its cooling system. Ulchin-2 nuclear power reactor experiences the same problem, but is not shut down. The plant is expected to resume operations by late evening.
—Baek Gang Nyeong, "Jellyfish Knock out Nuclear Plant Again," Chosun Ilbo, 28 August 2001, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Baek Sŭng Mok, "Ulchinwŏnjŏne' Ddo Haep'aridde' 1.2 Hogi 12 Shigan Kadongjungdan," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 27 August 2001, p. 26, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

28 August 2001
KEDO Executive Director Charles Kartman reveals that excavation work will begin in September 2001 to prepare the foundations for the light water reactors to be constructed in North Korea under the Agreed Framework.
—David R. Sands, "Construction Set for N. Korea Nuclear Plant," Washington Times, 30 August 2001, <http://www.washtimes.com>; "KEDO to Launch LWR Excavation Work in September," Joongang Ilbo, 31 August 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; "KEDO, Puk Kyŏngsuro Kulch'akkongsa Naedal Ch'akkong," Segye Ilbo, 31 August 2001, <http://www.segyetimes.co.kr>.

29-30 August 2001
Government officials from the United States, South Korea and Japan meet in New York for a KEDO meeting to discuss nuclear exports. The meeting is held to coordinate policy on the transfer of nuclear facilities, equipment, materials and technology to North Korea under the Agreed Framework.
—Kim Jong Suk, "KEDO Export Control Consultation Meeting in New York," TCNC Newsletter, September/October 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/
Newsletter/Tcncnews.htm>.

31 August 2001
Site preparation work for the KEDO light water reactor project is completed in [Kŭmho-chigu], Shinp'o, North Korea.
—KEDO 2001 Annual Report, p. 10, Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, <http://www.kedo.org/pdfs/KEDO_AR_2002.pdf

9 September 2001
At the 7th expanded panel for a Limited Nuclear Weapons Free Zone for Northeast Asia, a group of local and foreign scholars adopt the Seoul Declaration for the creation of a nuclear free zone in Northeast Asia. Participants discuss the size and shape of the zone, the weapons categories, administrative and verification regimes, and the role of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. If participants make an agreement by next year, it will be non-binding, but it will set the stage for Northeast Asian countries to eventually agree to create a nuclear free zone.
—Kim Kwang Tae, "Seoul Declaration Calls for Nuclear Free Zone in Northeast Asia," Korea Times, 10 September 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

10 September 2001
In hearings before the South Korean National Assembly's Unification, Foreign Affairs and Trade Committee, the Ministry of Unification says that $638 million was spent on the KEDO light water reactor project between February 2000 and 31 August 2001. South Korea provided $447 million (70 percent) and Japan provided $191 million (30 percent) of the total. South Korea's expenditures on the project have resulted in a national debt of 150 billion won in 1999, 255 billion won in 2000, and 262.5 billion won for the period between January 2001 and 31 August 2001. The total deficit from the project over this period is 667.5 billion won. The operating expenses for KEDO during 2001 are $18.36 million, with the United States, South Korea and Japan each contributing $4.56 million. US expenses for heavy fuel oil for the year are $70.32 million, and the United States has supplied North Korea with 308,000 tons of heavy fuel oil from January 2001 to 31 August 2001. The Ministry of Unification also reveals that KEDO plans to begin training North Korean technicians to operate the light water reactors under construction in North Korea. According to the Ministry, the training is to begin in February 2002, and will be divided into two steps for 529 personnel in all.
—Chu Yong Sŏk, "Kyŏngsuro Kongbi 6ŏk3ch'ŏnman Dollar Chiphaeng," Yonhap News Agency, 10 September 2001, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr>; "South Korea Extends $638 Million for LWR Project So Far," Joongang Ilbo, 10 September 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 10 September 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KEDO Pays KEPCO $638 Million on Reactor Building Contract," FBIS Document ID KPP20010910000094; "Naenyŏn 2 Wŏl Pukch'ŭk Kyŏngsuroyowŏn Kyoyuk," Chosun Ilbo, 10 September 2001, <http://www.chosun.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 10 September 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KEDO to Give Training to North Koreans on Reactor Operation," FBIS Document ID KPP20010910000063.

10 September 2001
A nuclear power plant condition report is submitted by the Ministry of Science and Technology revealing a total of 1,087 crack over 0.22 mm in width over the last two years. There were 329 cracks found in the Kori power plant, 279 in Ulchin, 232 in Yŏnggwang and 178 in Wŏlsŏng. According to one lawmaker, 39 of the cracks are serious and their size exceeds three meters in length and 0.5 to 4mm in width. In addition, another lawmaker accuses the Korea Plant Service and Engineering Department, which is responsible for maintenance, of negligence because of the arrest of its managing staff for embezzling 142 million won.
—Baek Gang Nyeong, "Assembly Audit Notes Cracks in Nuclear Power Plant," Chosun Ilbo, 10 September 2001, <http://english.chosun.com>; Kwak Min Yŏng, "Kori-Wŏlsŏng-Yŏnggwang Wŏnjŏn 1087 Kot Kyunyŏl," Segye Ilbo, 11 September 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

10-14 September 2001
The second IAEA-Japan-Korea Joint Workshop on IAEA Safeguards is held in Japan. The purpose of the workshop is to enhance IAEA safeguard techniques and measurement methods for light water reactor (LWR) inspections. During the workshop, Korea and the IAEA discuss the possibility of expanding the program from LWRs to research reactors.
—"2nd IAEA-Japan-Korea Workshop on IAEA SG and 7th NMCC-TCNC Annual Meeting," TCNC Newsletter, 1 October 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

11 September 2001
The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) meeting to be held in Seoul is cancelled due to the 11 September attacks on the Pentagon and the World Trade Center.
—Mark Hibbs, "WANO Meeting Cancelled by Attack to Convene in Seoul Next Spring," Nucleonics Week, 20 September 2001, p. 12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12 September 2001
A South Korean Foreign Ministry official says that the groundbreaking work for the KEDO light water reactor project will begin as scheduled on 13 September 2001, but there will be no ceremonies. [Note: This report is erroneous; the groundbreaking ceremony is held on 14 September.]
—Yonhap News Agency, 12 September 2001, in "KEDO Head Cancels DPRK Visit for LWR Ground-Breaking Ceremony," FBIS Document ID KPP20010912000098.

14 September 2001
A 61-member delegation from KEDO and South Korea attends the groundbreaking ceremony for the light water reactors in North Korea.
—Agence France Presse, 14 September 2001, in "Groundbreaking Held for DPRK Reactors," FBIS Document ID KPP20010914000077; "Construction Begins on North Korean Reactors," Agence France Presse, 14 September 2001.

Mid-September 2001
The Ministry of Science and Technology establishes a new Nuclear Emergency Division within the Nuclear Affairs Directorate. The decision to immediately establish this division comes after the 11 September attacks on New York and Washington, DC. Prior to the attacks, the Nuclear Emergency Division was expected to launch in October. The Nuclear Emergency Division is expected to create a database of information on physical protection and resistance from external threats, review the resistance of nuclear components to direct hits from passenger jet aircraft, and investigate whether efforts to include air crash in the design of reactors had taken into account a scenario in which a large amount of flammable jet fuel is used. In addition, the director of the Nuclear Policy and R&D Division states that the new Emergency Division will be "less concerned about threats from North Korea and more concerned about the threat from radical Islam."
—Mark Hibbs, "South Korean Regulator Adds Timely 'Nuclear Emergency Division'," Inside NRC, 24 September 2001, p. 10, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15-18 September 2001
North and South Korea hold the fifth round of ministerial talks in Seoul. The delegations are headed by North Korean Senior Cabinet Councilor Kim Ryŏng Sŏng and South Korean Unification Minister Hong Sun Yŏng. The two sides agree to resume construction of a railway connecting Seoul to Kaesŏng, North Korea, where the South pledged to finance the development of an industrial zone.
—"DPRK Delegation Reaches Seoul for Inter-Korean Ties," Xinhua News Agency, 15 September 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Inter-Korean Ministerial Talks Open," Korean Central News Agency, 16 September 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Che 5 Ch'a Pungnamsanggŭphoedam'i Yŏllyŏtta," Korean Central News Agency, 16 September 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "5th North-South Ministerial Talks Close," Korean Central News Agency, 16 September 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Che 5 Ch'a Pungnamsanggŭphoedam'i Kkŭt'natta / Kongdongbodomun Palp'yo," Korean Central News Agency, 16 September 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Korean Central News Agency, 16 September 2001, in "North Korea Lists Demands at Inter-Ministerial Talks in Seoul," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 16 September 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; John Gittings, "Two Koreas Put Peace Process Back on Line," The Guardian, 19 September 2001, p. 15, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21 September 2001
Lawmakers criticize safety at nuclear power plants during the National Assembly's annual audit of the government. According to some lawmakers, a total of 41 cracks in the steam generator tubes were found in two nuclear power plants this year. In addition, various defects such as corrosion of steam generator tubes, welding flaws in pipes of the steam turbines, and cracks in the concrete foundations were found in eight of the power plants. In 2000, 94 defects were found, which is an increase from 89 in 1999 and 32 in 1998.
—Kim Hyung Jin, "Lawmakers Question Safety at Nuclear Power Plants," Korea Herald, 22 September 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Ch'oe Sŏng Uk, "Wŏnjaryŏkpaljŏnso 5 Nyŏndongan 1,248 Kŏn Kyunyŏl Posu," Hankook Ilbo, 22 September 2001, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

Late September 2001
Government officials admit South Korea has more likely prospects in the Indonesian and Romanian nuclear industry than competing for exports to China. According to an official at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, South Korea does not have enough political power to influence decision makers in China to import Korean equipment and technologies. On the other hand, Indonesia has expressed interest in the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute's (KAERI) SMART (System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor) PWR which is a 150MW(e) reactor used for desalinization. South Korea is also preparing to participate in the construction of Romania's Cernavoda-3 PWR. The Ministry of Science and Technology has also been conducting a study for the Vietnam Atomic Energy Commission about its interest in constructing nuclear power reactors.
—Mark Hibbs, "Korean Agencies Set Sights on Exports to Indonesia, Romania," Nucleonics Week, 29 September 2001, p. 9, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Late September 2001
Korean officials say that the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company is looking for a new site to construct at least two 1,400MW(e) nuclear reactors at Tŏk Ch'ŏn on the east coast. The new reactors will be the Advanced Power Reactor (APR-1400s) design, which was originally to be built at Shin-Wŏlsŏng. However, no formal decision has been made to build the reactors at Shin-Wŏlsŏng or Tŏk Ch'ŏn.
—Mark Hibbs, "KHNP Seeks to Open New PWR Site at Dukchun on Coast of East Sea," Nucleonics Week, 27 September 2001, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

October 2001
South Korean and American officials discuss potential projects for developing instrumentation and control (I&C) technology for the Korean Advanced Pressurized Water Reactor (APR-1400). South Korea's nuclear industry has so far acquired nearly all the technology to manufacture PWRs except I&C systems.
—Mark Hibbs, "South Korea Seeks US Help in Developing PWR I&C Systems," Nucleonics Week, 11 October 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 October 2001
An unnamed "South Korean government official" or "diplomatic source" reports that KEDO will be able to begin negotiations with North Korea by the end of the year on the delivery of the core reactor parts for the light water reactors under construction as part of the Agreed Framework. The agreement will have to comply with the export controls of the United States, South Korea and Japan. South Korea and Japan have already presented their draft agreements, and the United States is to present its draft agreement soon. The United States has reportedly been reluctant to establishing a protocol for the transfers of critical technology and materials since North Korea has yet to submit to full safeguards inspections.
—Yonhap News Agency, 3 October 2001, in "KEDO, DPRK Likely to Begin Talks Soon for Delivery of Core Parts," FBIS Document ID KPP20011003000006; Ok Yŏng Tae, "Hanbando Briefing/KEDO-Puk, Kyŏngsuro Pubumindo Ilchŏng Yŏnnae Hyŏpsang," Segye Ilbo, 4 October 2001, p. 37, <http://www.segyetimes.co.kr>.

10 October 2001
South Korea and Thailand agree to take steps towards signing a memorandum of understanding on the cooperation of atomic energy. During the talks, both sides agree to hold a seminar on nuclear policy for Thai policy planners, and on the latest developments in technology to train Thai students in the field of atomic energy. Thai officials express interest in gaining South Korean support in building a nuclear research reactor, assistance in the uses of radioscopes and the safe uses of nuclear energy.
—"Korea, Thailand to Sign Memo on Atomic Energy Cooperation," Ministry of Science and Technology, 15 October 2001, <http://www.most.go.kr>.

11-15 October 2001
The 11th IAEA-ROK Joint Review Meeting on Safeguards Implementation is held in Seoul. The meeting focuses on discussions of safeguard techniques and measures at various nuclear facilities. The two sides agree that the implementation of the LWR Enhanced Cooperation Program in January 2001 was helpful for the effectiveness and efficiency of safeguards implementation.
—Park Sung Gi, "11th IAEA/ROK JRM on Safeguards Implementation Held in Seoul," TCNC Newsletter, 1 November 2002, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/
Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

12 October 2001
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) announces it has signed an agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Indonesia to cooperate in developing the technology to construct and operate a nuclear power desalination plant. Under the agreement, the three parties will collaborate on reviewing the commercial viability and technical feasibility of the construction and operation of the SMART (System-Integrated Modular Advanced Reactor), which South Korea is in the process of developing to supply energy and drinking water to Indonesia.
—"Korea, IAEA, Indonesia Sign Nuclear Technology Agreement," Ministry of Science and Technology, 15 October 2001, <http://www.most.go.kr>.

15-19 October 2001
The 10th South Korea-IAEA Joint Review Meeting is held in Seoul. On 17 October 2001, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is signed between South Korea and the IAEA on the enhanced cooperation on safeguard implementation of light water reactors in South Korea. According to the MOU, South Korea will participate in all scheduled inspections for light water reactors while the IAEA will perform annual Physical Inventory Verification (PIV) inspections and other inspections as deemed necessary.
—Park Wan Sou, "MOU for LWR Enhanced Cooperation Signed Between ROK-IAEA," TCNC Newsletter, 1 December 2001, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/
Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

17 October 2001
South Korea and the IAEA sign a memorandum of understanding on the Enhanced Cooperation on Safeguards Implementation of light water reactors in South Korea. The new safeguards system is expected to be implemented starting 1 January 2002.
—Park Sung Gi, "Workshop for LWR Enhanced Cooperation," TCNC Newsletter, 1 January 2002, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/
tcncnews.htm>.

22 October 2001
South Korea and Vietnam sign an agreement to pursue joint research projects. Under the agreement, Vietnamese and Korean scientists will conduct a study on whether a Korean-type nuclear power plant can be developed in Vietnam. In addition, South Korean experts will train high-ranking Vietnamese officials and their atomic energy related staff about the nuclear energy sector.
—Yonhap News Agency, 22 October 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: SK Agrees to Pursue 12 Joint Research Projects with Vietnam," FBIS Document ID: KPP20011022000051.

30 October 2001
During a joint press conference with Greenpeace and the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement, environmentalists urge South Koreans to reject any government plans to export nuclear waste to Russia. According to a member of the Korean Federation for Environmental Movement, exporting nuclear waste to Russia will cause South Korea to lose all justification for protesting North Korea's import of Taiwan's nuclear waste. Russia recently announced its interest in allowing other countries including South Korea to export nuclear waste, but the South Korean government has not made any official decision or comment on the issue.
—Soh Ji Young, "Activists Oppose Seoul's Export of Nuclear Waste," Korea Times, 31 October 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

27 November 2001
Following a meeting in San Francisco, the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group (TCOG) issues a statement reiterating the commitment of the three member countries—Japan, South Korea, and the United States—to implement the Agreed Framework.
—Kyodo News Service, 28 November 2001, in "Japan, S. Korea, U.S. Urge N. Korea to Antiterrorism Actions," FBIS Document ID JPP20011128000038; Kwŏn O Yŏn, "Han.Mi.Il, (sic) Pug'e Pan Terror Ch'ugajoch'i Ch'okku," Joongang Ilbo, 28 November 2001, <http://www.joins.com>.

29 November 2001
Kim Byŏng Ku, the chief of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute's Future Atomic Technology Development Bureau, is appointed as the director of the IAEA's Africa, East Asia and Pacific department.
—"Kim BK Chosen as IAEA Official," Korea Times, 5 December 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

1-4 December 2001
KEDO Executive Director Charles Kartman leads a delegation to Pyongyang. Kartman meets with Kim Sŏng Su, North Korea's director of the light water reactor project. North Korea and KEDO sign the Quality Assurance and Warranties Protocol. The protocol lays the groundwork for the participation of North Korean safety personnel in the light water reactor project. The protocol also covers the electricity supply, core parts, and the initial supply of nuclear fuel. During Kartman's stay in Pyongyang, he and North Korean officials also discuss labor issues and the need to establish a separate communication network to increase construction efficiency.
—"Protocol between the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization and the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on Quality Assurances and Warranties for the Implementation of a Light Water Reactor Project," Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, <http://www.kedo.org>; KEDO 2001 Annual Report, Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, p. 10, <http://www.kedo.org/pdfs/
KEDO_AR_2002.pdf>; "KEDO Executive Director and His Party Arrive," Korean Central News Agency, 1 December 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; KEDO Chiphaenggukchang'ilhaeng Tojak," Korean Central News Agency, 1 December 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Yonhap News Agency, "Kartman KEDO Samuch'ongjang Pangbuk," Joongang Ilbo, 3 December 2001, <http://www.joins.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 1 December 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KEDO Executive Director Visits N. Korea Sat.," FBIS Document ID KPP20011201000006; "North and KEDO Sign Agreements on Reactor Quality Assurance," Joongang Ilbo, 3 December 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; Chu Yong Sŏng, "Puk-KEDO P'umjilbojang'ŭi'jŏngsŏ Sŏmyŏng," Joongang Ilbo, 3 December 2001, <http://www.joins.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 4 December 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KEDO Chief Arrives in Seoul after North Korean Trip," FBIS Document ID KPP20011204000050; Yonhap News Agency, 3 December 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: N.K., KEDO Sign Agreement on Reactor Quality Assurance," FBIS Document ID KPP20011203000047; Yu Jae-Suk, "KEDO Signs Accord with North Korea Warranting Quality of Nuclear Reactors," Associated Press, 3 December 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, http://web.lexis-nexis.com; Yonhap News Agency, 5 December 2001, in "KEDO's Kartman Briefs ROK UnifMin (sic) on Meeting in P'yongyang," FBIS Document ID 20011205000042; "KEDO Progresses Despite Obstacles; Signs Accord with DPRK," The People's Korea, 13 December 2001, <http://www.korea-np.co.jp/pk>; "KEDO Chiphaenggukchang'ilhaeng'I Ddŏ'na Kkatta," Korean Central News Agency, 4 December 2001, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

3 December 2001
In an interview with the BBC, South Korean Unification Minister Hong Sun Yŏng says, "Several North Korean hard-liners are trying to enfeeble or reverse the reconciliation process [with South Korea]." He also says that North Korean hard-liners are using South Korean enhanced security measures in the wake of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 as a pretext to exert their influence. Hong says there is "friction or tension between militarists and economists."
—"Leadership of North Is Seen in Struggle," Joongang Ilbo, 5 December 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; "North Korea Calls for Hight (sic) Security Alert," Agence France Presse, 5 December 2001, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6-7 December 2001
KEDO holds an executive board meeting in Seoul to discuss the light water reactor project under way in North Korea. The meeting covers the KEDO budget for 2002, and the extension of the EU's executive membership in KEDO for another five years. The EU is expected to increase its financial contribution to 20 million ECUs per year from 15 million ECUs. KEDO expenditures for 2001 are $90.56 million.
—Yonhap News Agency, 5 December 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: KEDO Executive Board Meeting to Be Held Here Thurs.," FBIS Document ID KPP20011205000057; Chang Yong Hun, "KEDO Chiphaeng'isahoe 6-7 Il Kaech'oe," Yonhap News Agency, 6 December 2001, <http://www.yonhapnews.net>; "KEDO Progresses Despite Obstacles; Signs Accord with DPRK," The People's Korea, 13 December 2001, <http://www.korea-np.co.jp/pk>.

7 December 2001
Japanese officials participating in the KEDO executive board meeting in Seoul say that Hitachi Limited and Toshiba Corporation are expected to provide the turbines for the light water reactors under construction in North Korea. The firms are expected to replace General Electric of the United States, which pulled out of the deal after failing to receive indemnification for any possible future accidents at the site.
—Jiji Press, 7 December 2001, in "Toshiba, Hitachi Expected To Supply Turbogenerators to Nuclear Power Reactor in N. Korea," FBIS Document ID JPP20011208000002.

10 December 2001
South Korea's Ministry of National Defense announces it will inaugurate a nationwide Military Nuclear Biological and Chemical Warfare Command by March 2002. In addition, the Ministry states that it will import 27 billion won worth of equipment to detect nuclear, biological and chemical attacks or threats.
—Yoo Yong Won, "MNBC Warfare Command to be Combined by March," Chosun Ilbo, 10 December 2001, <http://english.chosun.com/>.

16-29 December 2001
Kim Hŭi Mun, director general of North Korea's Light-Water Reactor Bureau, leads a 20-member North Korean delegation to South Korea to tour nuclear power facilities. The visit is a result of the training protocol signed by North Korea and KEDO on 20 October 2000. While in South Korea the delegation travels to Ulchin, North Kyŏngsang Province to visit South Korea's Ulchin-3 and -4 nuclear power reactors.
—Lee Young-jong, "Nuclear Visitors in South," Joongang Ilbo, 18 December 2001, <http://english.joins.com>; Lee Yŏng Chong, "Pukhan Wŏnjŏn Shich'altan Namhan Ipkuk," Joongang Ilbo, 17 December 2001, <http://www.joins.com>; Seo Soo-min, "NK Officials Visit South for Nuclear Safety Training," Korea Times, 17 December 2001, <http://www.koreatimes.co.kr>; Kim Ji-ho, "N.K. Officials Observing Nuke Plants," Korea Herald, 18 December 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Yun Sang Hwan, "Kyŏngsurosaop P'ul'ŏya Hal Kwaje: Puk Chogihaeksach'al'i Kŏllimdol," Segye Ilbo, 20 December 2001, <http://www.segyetimes.co.kr>; Chang Yong Hun, "<Kyŏngsuro Kŏnsŏlsaop Ŏdikkaji Wattna>," Yonhap News Agency, 17 December 2001, <http://www.yonhapnews.co.kr>; "North Korean Nuclear Safety Training," Korea Update, Vol. 13, No. 1, January 2002, p. 3; Yonhap News Agency, 28 December 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: N.K's Two-Week Inspection of Reactors Winds Up," FBIS Document ID KPP20011228000026; Yonhap News Agency, 28 December 2001, in "ROK's Yonhap: N.K's Two-Week inspection of Reactors Winds Up," FBIS Document ID KPP20011228000026; "Korea Nuclear Tour Ends," BBC News, 30 December 2001, <http://news.bbc.co.uk>.

27 December 2001
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) announces it has developed a technique to safely store radioactive tritium produced in heavy water nuclear reactors. KAERI has spent over 1 billion won in the past three years to develop this technology. The technique uses a thermal process to absorb hydrogen isotopes that bond with titanium. The tritium is then stored in a vacuum container that can hold up to 500 kilocurries (KCi), which is the amount of tritium to be produced from the Wŏlsŏng heavy water reactor in six months after it enters commercial operation in 2005. In addition, a one tenth scale pilot plant is currently in operation at the Wŏlsŏng nuclear power plant to process 10kg of heavy water per hour.
—"South Korea Develops Tritium Extraction, Storage Technologies," 8 January 2002, FBIS Document ID: KPP20020108000096; Mun Byŏng Hwan, "Pangsanŭng Mulchil Tritium Chŏjanggisul Kaebal," Money Today, 27 December 2001, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

	Updated September 2004