10 January 2003
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) outlines a plan to the presidential transition committee regarding the possibility of turning the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) into a public corporation. According to the MOCIE, this is being considered because nuclear power is directly linked to national security. In addition, MOCIE says turning KHNP into a public firm will be a long-term project that will not be decided upon until after the Korea Electric Power Corporation's (KEPCO) five thermal power firms are privatized.
—Yonhap News Agency, 10 January 2003, in "Gov't Considering Turning Nuclear Power Firm into Public Entity," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030110000002.

10 January 2003
North Korea declares its withdrawal from the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). According to South Korean government officials, this is a move by North Korea to bring the US to the negotiating table. However, South Korean President Kim Dae Jung calls for an emergency National Security Council meeting and says North Korea's withdrawal from the NPT "brought the situation on the Korean peninsula from bad to worse by one step."
—"Chosŏnjŏngbusŏngmyŏng Haengmugijŏnp'abangjijoyag'esŏ T'al't'oe," Korean Central News Agency, 10 January 2003, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-k.htm>; "Statement of DPRK Government on Its Withdrawal From NPT" Korean Central News Agency, 10 January 2003, <http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm>; Yonhap News Agency, 10 January 2003, in "North Korea Declares Withdrawal from NPT," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030110000065; Jun Kwanwoo, "South Korea Rues North Korea's Nuclear Treaty Pull-Out," Agence France Presse, 10 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

11 January 2003
Japanese Vice Foreign Minister Yukio Takeuchi and Im Sŏng Jun, South Korean presidential envoy, meet in Japan and agree that Japan, South Korea and the United States should work together to end the North Korean nuclear crisis. The two officials reportedly agree to use their respective diplomatic channels to urge Pyongyang to engage in dialogue. They also agree that tough economic sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council could do more harm than good.
—Kyodo News Service (Tokyo), 11 January 2003, in "Japan, South Korea Agree on Trilateral Work with US on North Korea," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 11 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 January 2003
South Korean President-elect Roh Moo Hyun meets with US Assistant Secretary of State James Kelly and informs him that South Korea will play a "leading role" in resolving the North Korean nuclear standoff. Roh also reiterates his belief that the nuclear issue should be resolved through peaceful dialogue. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Kelly states that the United States is willing to talk to North Korea. Kelly says, "Once we get beyond nuclear weapons, there may be opportunities with the US, with private investors, with other countries to help North Korea in the energy area."
—Maeng Kyŏng Hwan, "No, Taemi Pukhaekchoyul Pon'gyŏkhwa," Kukmin Ilbo, 13 January 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; "DPRK Issue Should Be Settled Peacefully: S Korean President-Elect," Xinhua News Agency, 13 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Howard W. French, "Aides Declare U.S. 'Willing to Talk' in Korea Dispute," New York Times, 14 January 2003, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "DPRK Insists on US Talks to End Nuclear Row, Mediation Continues," Xinhua News Agency, 15 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 January 2003
South Korean President-elect Roh Moo Hyun meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi and says that while he will not tolerate North Korea's attempts to develop nuclear weapons, "the issue should be resolved through dialogue." Roh says that "cooperation between South Korea and Japan is very important in solving the North Korean nuclear issue." Later in the day, Roh tells reporters that he believes once North Korea escapes its status as a rogue state, it can abandon its nuclear weapons program. Roh also says that he would not consider a military strike against North Korea even if it was found to be reprocessing nuclear fuel for a bomb.
—Yonhap News Agency, 16 January 2003, in "South Korea's Roh Stresses Dialogue, Cooperation to Resolve North Issue," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 16 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Howard W. French, "South Korea's President-Elect Rejects Use of Force Against North Korea," New York Times, 17 January 2003, p. A12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 January 2003
Speaking before the National Assembly's Defense Committee, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Chun says that a war between North and South Korea would be "unavoidable" if the United States carried out a preemptive attack on the North's suspected nuclear weapons facilities. Lee says there is a high probability that North Korea will target South Korea if Pyongyang develops uranium-based nuclear weapons.
Lee also claims that American and South Korean forces are prepared for a "worst-case scenario". [NOTE: On 18 January, a spokesman for the Ministry of National Defense says that Lee's statements did not indicate that the security situation on the peninsula was becoming increasingly precarious, but rather the statements were meant to reiterate that readiness of South Korea's armed forces to handle any contingencies that might arise.]
—Park Min Hyŏk, "'Puk Uraniumt'an Hanbando Mokp'yo Paejemothae' Igukpang Kukpangwi Tappyŏn," Donga Ilbo, 17 January 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 16 January 2003, in "South Korean Minister Says Peninsula War 'Unavoidable' if USA Strikes North," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 16 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Howard W. French, "South Korea's President-Elect Rejects Use of Force against North Korea," New York Times, 17 January 2003, p. A12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 18 January 2003, in "South Korean Defence Ministry Downplays 'Inevitable' War Statement by Its Chief," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 18 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 January 2003
South Korean Ambassador to the UN Son Chun Yŏng says that the North Korean nuclear crisis will eventually be resolved through dialogue, but he speculates that a peaceful resolution will take at least two years. Son claims that while both the US and North Korea are using strong rhetoric, both sides have stressed a desire to resolve the issue through dialogue. However, Son points out that the 1993 nuclear crisis required over a year and half before it was resolved, and since the current crisis involves nuclear, missile and biochemical weapons, "it will take at least two years for the issue to be resolved."
—Yonhap News Agency, 17 January 2003, in "S. Korean UN Envoy Says 'At Least Two Years Needed' to Resolve Nuclear Issue," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 17 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 January 2003
A Japanese newspaper reports that South Korean government officials revealed a proposal to the US to supply North Korea with natural gas in exchange for completely dismantling its nuclear program. According to the proposal, South Korea, China, Japan, Russia and the US will support private companies to construct the pipelines to run through Sakhalin and Kyushu.
—Mainichi Shimbun, 18 January 2003, in "S. Korea Proposes to US Construction of Gas Pipeline Through North," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 19 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Shin Yun Sŏk, "Kyŏngsurodaeshin Pug'e Kasŭgonggŭp Ilshinmun 'Han'gug'i Mie' Che'an'," Hankook Ilbo, 20 January 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

20 January 2003
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade denies a Japanese newspaper report about a South Korean proposal to supply North Korea with natural gas in order to end the nuclear crisis.
—Yonhap News Agency, 20 January 2003, in "S. Korea's MOFAT Refutes Report of Gas Supply Option to N. Korea," Asia Pulse, 20 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22-24 January 2003
North and South Korea hold the ninth round of inter-Korean ministerial talks in Seoul. The five-member North Korean delegation is headed by senior cabinet member Kim Yŏng Sŏng, and the South Korean delegation is headed by Unification Minister Chŏng Se Hyŏn. In his keynote speech at the opening of the talks, Kim states that North Korea's nuclear program is only for generating electricity, and accuses the United States of politicizing the nuclear issue in an attempt to gain control over both North and South Korea. The South Korean delegation demands that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program and retract its decision to withdraw from the NPT, but according to delegation spokesman Lee Pong Cho, the South Korean delegation is disappointed that North Korea refuses to make any concrete commitments during the meeting. The two sides agree to continue cooperating in order to resolve peacefully the conflict over North Korea's nuclear program, and at the conclusion of the talks, they agree to meet again in April. [Note: The tenth round of talks is scheduled to take place from 7 to 10 April in Pyongyang, but since North Korea fails to confirm that it will participate in the talks and does not invite the South Korean delegation to Pyongyang, the talks are postponed until 27 April.]
—Lee Yong Uk, "Changgwan'gŭphoedam, Puk Tae'p'yo 'Haengmugi Kaebalddŭt Ŏpta' Chŏng Tae'p'yo 'Shilloejoch'i' Ch'okku," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 23 January 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Sŏng Tong Ki, "Nambukchanggwanhoedam Kongdongbodomun 'Haengmunje P'yŏnghwajŏk Hyŏmnyŏk'," Donga Ilbo, 25 January 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; "DPRK's Ministerial Delegation Arrives in S. Korea," Xinhua News Agency, 21 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Cho Kyung, "S. Korea Demands N. Korea End Nuclear Programs," Japan Economic Newswire, 21 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Christopher Toricha, "North Korean Delegation Arrives in Seoul for High-Level Talks," Associated Press, 21 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North and South Korea Agree on Peaceful Solution to Atomic Strife," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 23 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "South Korea Says Cabinet-Level Talks Stalled, Want Action from North," Agence France Presse, 23 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Cho Kyung, "Koreas Vow to Resolve Nuclear Standoff Peacefully," Japan Economic Newswire, 24 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; James Brooke, "Korean Talks Make Little Progress on Arms Issue," New York Times, 24 January 2003, p. A16, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S. Korea Regrets N. Korea's Cancellation of Ministerial Talks," Japan Economic Newswire, 6 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23 January 2003
Romania's Ministry of Waters and Environment Protection announces that the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) may participate in the construction of the third unit of the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant. According to the Ministry, representatives of KHNP visited the headquarters of the national Commission for Oversight of Nuclear Activities and they expressed interest in the Cernavoda project.
—Bucharest Mediafax, 24 January 2003, in "South Korean Company Offers to Build New Unit of Romanian Nuclear Plant," FBIS Document ID: EUP20030124000007.

27 January 2003
Delegates of the North and South Korean militaries meet in Panmunjom for working level talks. The two sides agree to provide military assurances to each other while making preparations for the construction of a temporary road that would traverse the demilitarized zone and connect North and South Korea.
—"S. Korean Envoy in Pyongyang; Inter-Korean Talks Agree on Passage of MDL," Xinhua News Service, 27 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 27 January 2003, in "Koreas Agree to Security Terms on Military Demarcation Line," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 27 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

27-29 January 2003
Im Tong Wŏn, special envoy of South Korean President Kim Dae Jung, travels to Pyongyang in an attempt to diffuse mounting tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korean officials reportedly tell Im that North Korea does not possess a uranium-enrichment program. [Note: North and South Korea had reportedly agreed that Im would meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, but after waiting for three days, North Korean officials inform Im that Kim will not be able to meet with him.]
—"N.K. Denies Running Uranium-Based Nuclear Weapons Program: Lim," Chosun Ilbo, 31 January 2003, <http://www.nkchosun.com>; "S. Korean Envoy Meets DPRK Official on Nuclear Crisis," Xinhua News Agency, 27 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Charles Whelan, "North Korea's Envoy Snub an 'Unacceptable Insult': SKorean Press," Agence France Presse, 30 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Don Kirk, "Kim Jong Il Refuses to See Envoy from Seoul," International Herald Tribune, 30 January 2003, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 30 January 2003, in "Incoming South Korean Leader Has Asked North Korean Leader to Visit Seoul," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 30 January 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Early February 2003
According to South Korean and Japanese government officials, KEDO executive board members unofficially agree to slow down the project to construct two light-water reactors in North Korea by postponing the purchase of necessary construction equipment. The executive board, consisting of the United States, Japan, South Korea and the European Union, also reportedly agreed to halt air services between South Korea and the construction site in North Korea, and to freeze a training program for North Korean engineers in South Korea.
—Kyodo News Service, 28 February 2003, in "KEDO to Delay Nuclear Reactor Project in N. Korea," FBIS Document ID JPP20030228000194; Yonhap News Agency, 1 March 2003, in "KEDO Members Said to Agree on 'Provisional Measure' to Delay Reactor," FBIS Document ID KPP20030301000009; So Hyon-chin, "KEDO Project Hits Snag," Korea Herald, 3 March 2003, in "ROKG Official Denies Delayed KEDO Project 'Deliberate Measure" to Slow Pace," FBIS Document ID KPP20030302000045.

2-9 February 2003
Chŏng Tae Ch'ŏl, South Korean President-elect Roh Moo Hyun's special envoy, travels to the United States and Japan to meet with top government officials and to convey President-Elect Roh's intention to resolve the nuclear crisis on the Korean Peninsula peacefully while strengthening the US-South Korean and South Korean-Japanese alliances. During 3-5 February, Chŏng is in Washington, D.C. and meets with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Secretary of State Colin Powell. While meeting with Rumsfeld, Chŏng reportedly conveys President-elect Roh's desire to make the South Korean-US alliance a "true partnership." While meeting with Vice President Dick Cheney, Chŏng and Cheney agreed to establish a bilateral forum in which the United States and South Korea could discuss important issues of mutual concern such as North Korean nuclear program. While in Tokyo, Chŏng meets with Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and the two agree to remain committed to resolving issues related to North Korea's nuclear program peacefully.
—Yonhap News Agency, 2 February 2003, in "South Korean President-Elect's Envoy to Deliver Letter to Bush on North's Issue," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 2 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ken Guggenheim, "Envoy of South Korean President-Elect Meets with Top U.S. Officials," Associated Press, 4 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kyodo News Service, 7 February 2003, in "Japan, South Korean Envoy to Urge North to Scrap Nuclear Programme," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 7 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "S. Korea, U.S. to Set up New Body to Discuss N. Korea Policies," Japan Economic Newswire, 10 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yun Chong Ku, "No Tangsŏnja T'ŭksadan Pangmi Ch'ulguk," Donga Ilbo, 2 February 2003, p. 8, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Kim Sŭng Ryŏn, "Pangmidaep'yodan Kwiguk...Pukhaekch'ŏri Wŏnch'ik Tŭng Non'ŭi," Donga Ilbo, 10 February 2003, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

4 February 2003
The South Korean government designates four possible sites for the construction of two nuclear waste facilities. The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) and the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company announces Uguk-ri and Sanpo-ri both in North Kyŏngsang province, and Sŏngsan-ri and Kwangsŭng-ri in South Chŏlla Province as the possible sites. The final selection of the two sites is expected to be made in March 2004.
—Song Eui Dal, "Radioactive Waste Sites Proposed Again," Chosun Ilbo, 4 February 2003, <http://english.chosun.com/>; Cho Ch'ŏl Hwan, "Haekpyeginag Hubojiyŏk 4 Kot Yŏngdŏk Ulchin Yŏnggwang Koch'ang Sŏnjŏng," Hankook Ilbo, 5 February, p.1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

5 February 2003
Russia's Atomic Energy Minister admits for the first time that Russia has been supplying South Korea with uranium for nuclear power plant fuel. The Minister notes that neither Russia nor the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has any information or proof that South Korea may be creating nuclear facilities for military purposes. In addition, the Minister states that given South Korea's capabilities and nuclear technology it would be able to develop a nuclear bomb within two years.
—ITAR-TASS, 5 February 2003, in "Russia Sells Uranium to South Korea, Seeks Nuclear Contracts in Iran," FBIS Document ID: CEP20030205000149.

6 February 2003
Operations at the Yŏnggwang-1 nuclear power reactor are temporarily suspended due to a damaged hydrogen coolant sealing device. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) says it ordered the plant to suspend operations after the amount of hydrogen leakage reached 42 square meters. The accident is categorized as zero grade according to International Atomic Energy Agency's standards.
—Yonhap News Agency, 6 February 2003, in "Yeonggwang Nuclear Power Plant Suspended," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030206000057; Chŏng Sŭng Ho, "Yŏnggwang'wŏnjŏn Pup'um'p'ason Unjŏnjŏngji," Donga Ilbo, 7 February 2003, p. 29, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

11-14 February 2003
Representatives from North and South Korea meet for the fourth round of inter-Korean economic talks. During the talks the South Korean delegation stresses that economic cooperation between the two countries is hindered mainly by suspicions of a North Korean nuclear weapons program. The North Korean delegation refuses to comment on its nuclear program, stating only that it is a matter to be resolved through direct talks with the United States.
—"Inter-Korea Talks End without Date for Cross-Border Rail," Japan Economic Newswire, 13 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Pyongyang Sidesteps Nuclear Issue at Inter-Korean Economic Talks," Korea Times, 13 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

13 February 2003
US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, in testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee, says that North Korea poses a larger threat as a proliferator of nuclear weapons than as an aggressor in Northeast Asia. Rumsfeld also says that the United States is working with South Korea to redeploy US forces further south on the peninsula away from Seoul and the demilitarized zone. Rumsfeld says that he would like to see US forces "more oriented toward an air hub and a sea hub with the ability to reinforce so that there is still a strong deterrent, and possibly with our improved capabilities of moving people, some of those forces come back home."
—Barry Schweid, "Powell: North Korea Rejects U.S. Proposal for Regional Talks on Nukes," Associated Press, 13 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Bradley Graham, "U.S. May Shift Troops in Korea," Washington Post, 14 February 2003, p. A20, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 February 2003
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) says South Korea is close to winning a nuclear power plant project in Romania. Officials from the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Corporation visited Romania in January 2003 to participate in a research project and feasibility study. MOST hopes to sign a formal contract in March or April since both countries have already reviewed a draft for the agreement of the project. Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company and AECL of Canada have already agreed to jointly bid for the nuclear project in Romania.
—Yang Sung Jin, "Korea Eyes Romania Nuclear Project," Korea Herald, 18 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "(Chŏngbo't'ongshin) Romania Wŏnjŏn Kŏnsŏlsuju Yuryŏk," Jeil Kyongje, 17 February 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

19 February 2003
In a report to the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, Shin Kŏn, chief of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, says that although North Korea has prepared to reactivate its 5MW(e) reactor located in the Yŏngbyŏn Nuclear Complex, the reactor has not yet been reactivated.
—Yonhap News Agency, 19 February 2003, in "North Korea Shows 'No Sign' of Restarting Nuclear Plant – Seoul Intelligence," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 19 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Has Yet to Fire up Nuclear Reactor: South Korean Spy Agency," Agence France Presse, 20 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 February 2003
A North Korean MiG-19 fighter jet crosses the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the Yellow Sea and temporarily flies eight miles into South Korean airspace. The incursion lasted only two minutes, as the North Korean jet retreated to North Korean airspace after several South Korean jets were scrambled to intercept it. South Korean Defense Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Hwang Yŏng Su states that the incursion, the first North Korean penetration of South Korean airspace since 1983, could have resulted in "very serious consequences in the current situation on the Korean Peninsula. [Note: North Korea has repeatedly stated that it does not recognize the NLL, thus instigating several naval clashes in South Korean waters, including a confrontation in June 2002 that resulted in the deaths of six South Korean sailors and an unknown number of North Korean sailors.]
—Sang Hun Choe, "North Korean Fighter Jet Crosses Border with South Korea, Returns without Incident," Associated Press, 20 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Choi Hyŏn Su, "Puk Chŏn't'ugi 1 Tae NLL Ch'imbŏm," Kukmin Ilbo, 21 February 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 20 February 2003, in "N Korean Jet 'Provocation' Possibly Related to Armistice Agreement Threat," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 20 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 21 February 2003, in "UN Command Probes Possible North Korean Armistice Breach with Jet Incursion" BBC Monitoring International Reports, 21 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Don Kirk, "North Korean MiG Swoops off Coast of South Korea," International Herald Tribune, 21 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 February 2003
Ra Chŏng Il, national security advisor for South Korean President-elect Roh Moo Hyun, secretly meets with North Korean high-ranking officials in Beijing, China. [Note: On March 5, he admits that he had met with North Korean high-ranking officials, but reveals neither whom he met nor what he discussed in Beijing. He says, "Given the unique nature of the North-South relationship, it is not appropriate to open to the public the content of the meeting with North Korean officials." Ra has been suspected to have met with Chŏn Kŭm Ch'ŏl, vice chairman of North Korea's Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, and to have initiated the contact in Beijing to propose an inter-Korean summit. However, he denies these suspicions.]
—Lee Hŭng U, Rabojwagwan Beijing Chŏpch'ok Chŏnmal/No Pangmijŏn 'Pukhaekk'adŭ Mandŭna,' Kukmin Ilbo, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Shin Chŏng Rok, "Najongilbojwagwan Pukkyŏngsŏ Puk Pimiljŏpch'ok Ya 'Milshilgŏrae Shido Ŭishim'," Chosun Ilbo, 6 March 2003, p.1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Oh Young Hwan and Lee Young Jong, "Roh Aide Met North Envoy in China," Joongang Daily, 5 March 2005.

Late February 2003
A representative of Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited (AECL) denies recent reports that a contract for the construction of Romania's Cernavoda-3 nuclear power plant will be signed soon. According to the representative, many reports have been published recently that misinterpreted the facts. In addition, the AECL representative says that negotiations for the contract will not happen until next year. AECL and the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) have jointly bid for the construction of Cernavoda-3.
—Bogdan Barligea, Bucharest Nine O'Clock, 25 February 2003, in "Negotiations for Cernavoda Works Could Begin in 2004," FBIS Document ID: EUP20030225000126.

28 February 2003
A South Korean government official tells the Yonhap News Agency that the South Korean government, after having studied intelligence provided by the United States, has confirmed that North Korea has reactivated the 5MW(e) nuclear reactor located in the Yŏngbyŏn Nuclear Complex. In 1994, North Korea agreed to freeze operations at the reactor as part of the Agreed Framework. Despite North Korea's latest violation of the agreement, the government official says that South Korea will not halt construction of two light-water nuclear reactors in North Korea.
—"South Korea Confirms Restart of North Reactor, Expresses 'Strong Regret," Yonhap News Agency, 28 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 February 2003
The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues a statement expressing "deep concern and regret" that North Korea decided to reactivate its 5MW(e) nuclear reactor. The statement "urges North Korea to comply with South Korean efforts, as well as those of the international community to find a peaceful resolution to the nuclear problem."
—Seo Hyun Jin, "Seoul Regrets News of Reactivation," Korea Herald, 28 February 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ryu Chae Hun, "Chŏngbu 'Wŏnjaro Chaegadong Yugam'," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 1 March 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>.

4 March to 2 April 2003
US and South Korean military forces conduct the annual Foal Eagle combined military exercises simulating a repelling of a North Korean invasion. On 19 March, American and South Korean forces begin the Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) combined military exercises integrating the RSOI with the second half of the Foal Eagle exercises. The United States deploys the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson and six F-117 stealth bombers to participate in the RSIO exercises. [Note: North Korea repeatedly condemns the military exercises as a rehearsal for a preemptive nuclear attack and subsequent invasion of North Korea.]
—"US and South Korea Troops Start Major War Games," Agence France Presse, 4 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Blasts Major US-SKorea War Games," Agence France Presse, 4 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Rodongshinmun <Toksuri> Chŏnjaeng'yŏnsŭp Kaeshirŭl Kyut'an," Korean Central News Agency, 5 March 2003, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "U.S. Test Nuclear War against DPRK Flayed," Korean Central News Agency, 5 March 2003, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Jong Heon Lee, "U.S., S. Korea Launch Another War Game," United Press International, 19 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

6 March 2003
US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld says that the United States is currently considering moving US forces stationed in South Korea away from the DMZ. Speaking at a Pentagon town hall meeting, Rumsfeld says, "We still have a lot of forces in Korea arranged very far forward, where it's intrusive in their lives, and where they really aren't very flexible or usable for other things." Rumsfeld adds that while the Untied States remains committed to maintaining peace on the Korean Peninsula, South Korea "has all the capability in the world of providing the kind of up-front deterrent that is needed."
—"Pentagon Town Hall Meeting with Secretary Rumsfeld," DoD News, 6 March 2003, <http://www.dod.gov>.

13 March 2003
The South Korean government issues a formal statement denying a South Korean news report that the US suggested options for carrying out a surprise bombing raid of the Yŏngbyŏn nuclear facilities in North Korea. According to the internet newspaper OhmyNews, a South Korean official was quoted as saying, "I was astonished that it sounded like a sort of proposal. I told him instantly that it was a very dangerous idea and I could not agree with it" when US officials provided ways to carry out an air strike. [Note: Deputy Prime Minister for Finance and Economy Kim Jin P'yo later clarifies the report stating that OhmyNews incorrectly quoted a US State Department official when actually the president of the Korea Economic Institute mentioned to Kim that there had discussions within the US about an air strike. However, Kim argues that an air strike on the Yŏngbyŏn nuclear facilities is not the US government's official position and that OhmyNews should correct the report.]
—Park Chu Ho, "Mi, Pukhaekshisŏl P'okkyŏk T'ajinsŏl P'amun," Kukmin Ilbo, 14 March 2003, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Chŏng U Sang, "Omainyusŭ 'Yŏngbyŏn P'okkyŏk' Podo Kwallyŏn Ch'ŏnhwadae 'Changgwan, Pujuŭian Palŏn'," Chosun Ilbo, 15 March 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Ko Chae Hak and Lee Tong Chun, "'Mi, Pukp'okkyŏk T'ajin' Kimbuch'ongniga Palŏn," Hankook Ilbo, 18 March 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 13 March 2003, in "South Korea Denies Report on Alleged US Plant to Bomb North Nuclear Plant," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 13 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 17 March 2003, in "South Korean Deputy Premier Admits Discussing US 'Surgical Strike' on North," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 17 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

15 March 2003
South Korean President Roh and US President Bush agree on South Korea's participation in the construction of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). The ITER project aims to produce clean, safe, renewable and commercially available fusion energy. Current members of the project include the US, Japan, Canada, the European Union, Russia and China, which have been negotiating the project since last year. The construction of the ITER is expected to begin in 2006 and be operational by 2014.
—Yonhap News Agency, 17 June 2003, in "S. Korea to Participate in Fusion Energy Research Project," Asia Pulse, 17 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 March 2003
South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun calls for multilateral talks to resolve the current standoff over North Korea's suspected nuclear weapons program. Speaking at the commencement ceremony of the Korea Air Force Academy, Roh says, "Not only dialogue with the North and cooperation with the United States and Japan, but also a cooperative framework involving China, Russia and the European Union should be activated. [Note: This is the first time that President Roh has explicitly called for multilateral talks to resolve issues related to North Korea's nuclear program.]
—"Roh Urges Multilateral End to N.K. Nuclear Standoff," Korea Herald, 19 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 March 2003
According to a South Korean Defense Ministry official, the US and South Korea will reveal plans to relocate the US's Army's Second Infantry Division south of the Han River in the latter half of 2003. This move would put the Second Infantry Division out of range of North Korean long-range artillery. In addition, the official says this proposed plan will be announced in September and will also include a schedule for the reduction of about 7,000 US troops from South Korea.
—"Seoul Set to Block US Troop Reduction," Korea Times, 7 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Mi 'Chuhanmi'gun Kamch'uk-Chaebaech'i 9 Wŏl Palp'yo'-Kukbangbu Taebyŏnin," Donga Ilbo, 21 March 2003, p. 14, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Paek Mun Il, "'Han'guk Wŏnha'myŏn M'igun Tangjang Ch'ŏlsu' Mikukbangbu Kowi'gwan'gyeja Palkhyŏ," Taehan Maeil, 20 March 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

24 March 2003
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER) and other government funded research institutes agree to develop hydrogen fuel as a next generation energy source as part of the Gen IV reactor development project led by the US. Since 2002, KAERI has been conducting feasibility studies on high temperature source development for efficient hydrogen production and will begin developing a high temperature reactor this year. The goal of this project is to develop automotive hydrogen fuel through the development of a high temperature gas cooled reactor. KIER has been working on an efficient hydrogen fuel production process to be tested by the end of 2005. KIST has begun working on the use of hydrogen fuel and equipment development. The three organizations are expected to participate in a sodium cooled fast reactor and a project to develop a ultra high temperature gas cooled reactor for the production of hydrogen. The project is to begin next year as part of the Gen IV reactor development initiative.
—Oak Hui Pom, Chonja Sinmun, 24 March 2003, in "Hydrogen Fuel Research Actively Underway at Government-Funded Think Tanks," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030325000116; Shin Dong Ho, "Han'guk, Miraeŭi Taeche'enŏjiwŏn Ch'ogo'ongasŭro Kaebal Ch'amyŏ," Donga Ilbo, 24 March 2003, p. 15, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

24 March 2003
South Korea and Vietnam discuss bilateral cooperation in nuclear power technology. According to the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), the two countries will examine whether the Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plant is appropriate for Vietnam. In addition, South Korea experts are expected to instruct the Vietnamese in nuclear power plant technology and will hold an official meeting regarding these issues later this year.
—Yonhap News Agency, 24 March 2003, in "Korea, Vietnam Discuss Cooperation in Atomic Power Technology," Asia Pulse, 24 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

28 March 2003
US Secretary of State Colin Powell informs South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Yŏng Kwan that China has proposed three-way talks between the United States, China and North Korea in order to discuss ways of resolving rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Yun, considering the "seriousness of the situation," accepts the three-party talks that exclude South Korea with the understanding that South Korea would participate in subsequent rounds of talks. [Note: The three-party talks are held in Beijing on 23-24 April.]
—Shin Ch'ang Ho, "Yunyŏnggwan'i Palghin '3 Chahowdam' Chŏnmal/Pangmiddae P'awŏli 'Han'gukchewoe' T'ajin," Kukmin Ilbo, 17 April 2003, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>;
Yonhap News Agency, 16 April 2003, in "ROK's Yonhap: South Korean Confirms Three-Way Talks Over N.K. Nuclear Issue," FBIS Document ID KPP20030416000066.

31 March 2003
South Korea signs a nuclear security agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to improve the protection of nuclear substances and facilities in Korea as well as around the world. Under the agreement, both sides will exchange information and safeguard its intellectual property rights. In addition, South Korea and the IAEA will conduct joint operations of security enhancement projects.
—Yonhap News Agency, 31 March 2003, in "S. Korea, IAEA to Cooperation on Protection of Nuclear Facilities," Asia Pulse, 31 March 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; An Kyŏng Hwa, "Korea, IAEA Sign Cooperation Pact for Nuclear Security," 3 April 2003, Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.%20most.go.kr>; Lee Jong Uk, "Korea-IAEA Arrangement for Technical Cooperation on Nuclear Security Signed," TCNC Newsletter, 1 June 2003, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

1 April 2003
South Korean government officials deny that the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade proposed the idea of supplying natural gas to North Korea during his visit to the US and Japan last week. The official also notes that National Security Advisor Ra Chong Il suggested the idea of constructing gas pipelines from Russia to North Korea to ease tensions, but this idea has not been discussed with other countries. According to an interview with the Financial Times, Ra says that the plan will be publicized shortly and South Korea will ask North Korea to halt its nuclear weapons program in return for the natural gas.
—Yonhap News Agency, 1 April 2003, in "SK Denies Report on Russian Gas Proposal," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030401000054; Chong Byeong Seon, Chosun Ilbo, 2 April 2003, in "Gas Pipeline for North Discussed," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030401000100.

1-2 April 2003
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) hold a nuclear security experts meeting in Taejŏn. The meeting discusses ways to enhance the safety and security of nuclear material and facilities.
—An Kyŏng Hwa, "Korea, IAEA Hold Experts' Meeting on Nuclear Security," 3 April 2003, Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr>.

10 April 2003
South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Yŏng Kwan meets with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing. The two agree to work together to persuade North Korea to participate in a multilateral dialogue in order to resolve issues related to its nuclear weapons program.
—Yonhap News Agency, 10 April 2003, in "ROK FM Official: ROK, China "Might Have Agreed' on Multilateral Talks for DPRK Nuclear Issue," FBIS Document ID KPP20030410000115; Han Chong Ho, "Han, Chung Woemujanggwan Hoedam/Chung 'Pukhaek Haegyŏl Kŏnsŏlchŏk Yŏkhal Halkŏt'," Munhwa Ilbo, 11 April 2003, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

19 April 2003
Kim Ryŏng Sŏng, chief North Korean delegate to the inter-Korean ministerial talks, sends a message to South Korean Unification Minister Chŏng Se Hyŏn proposing the that the next round of talks be held on 27-29 April in Pyongyang. On 21 April, South Korea agrees to participate in the delayed talks. [Note: The tenth round of ministerial talks were originally scheduled for 7-10 April, but North Korea failed to respond to South Korea's requests for preliminary talks and never invited the South Korean delegation to Pyongyang, the scheduled venue.]
—Jong Heon Lee, "N. Korea Proposes Talks with South," United Press International, 19 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yang Chŏng Tae, "Changgwan'gŭphoedam 27 Il Pyongyangsŏ," Hankook Ilbo, 21 April 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 21 April 2003, in "Further on Inter-Korean Agreement to Hold 10th Cabinet-Level Talks 27-29 April," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 21 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

22 April 2003
South Korean Defense Minister Cho Yŏng Kil tells the National Assembly he believes that even though North Korea has completed preparations to reprocess 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods, it has not actually started reprocessing.
—Kim Sŏng Ho, "Chogukpang 'Pug'ŭn Chujŏk'," Hankook Ilbo, 23 April 2003, p. 7, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "NKorea Has Not Yet Begun Reprocessing Nuclear Fuel Rods – SKorea," AFX-Asia, 22 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

23-24 April 2003
China, the United States and North Korea hold trilateral talks in Beijing aimed at resolving the standoff over North Korea's nuclear program. The Chinese, US and North Korean delegations are headed respectively by Fu Ying, director general of the Asian Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry, James Kelly, assistant secretary of state for East Asia and Pacific Affairs, and Li Gun, deputy director general of the American Affairs Bureau of the Foreign Ministry. During the first day of talks, Li reportedly claims that North Korea has almost completed reprocessing 8,000 spent nuclear fuel rods. Li also reportedly tells Kelly on the sidelines of the talks that North Korea already possesses nuclear weapons and threatens to conduct a nuclear test or export nuclear material. According to the Washington Times, Li tells Kelly, "We can't dismantle them. It's up to you whether we do a physical demonstration or transfer them." However, according to other accounts of Li's statement, Li did not explicitly threaten that North Korea would conduct a nuclear test or sell nuclear material, stating vaguely that North Korea might take "physical actions." At the talks, the North Korean delegation also presents a proposal for resolving the nuclear standoff by which the United States would offer diplomatic recognition and provide security assurances and economic assistance in return for North Korea's pledge to dismantle its nuclear weapons program. The North Korean proposal also reportedly calls for US-North Korean bilateral talks to be followed shortly by multilateral talks including China, Japan and South Korean. The talks, originally scheduled for 23-25 April end a day early. [Note: The exact meaning of Li's claim that North Korea has almost completed reprocessing 8,000 nuclear fuel rods is not clear since sources present at the talks contend that Li used the same ambiguous language as the 18 April Foreign Ministry statement that sparked diplomatic tension due to an apparent mistranslation by KCNA.]
—Kwŏn Kyŏng Pok, "Puk Haekpoyu Sŏnŏn/Sŏngkwaŏpsi Kŭtnan 3 Chahoedam," Chosun Ilbo, 26 April 2003, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Chosŏnwoemusŏng Taebyŏnin Chomihoedam Yŏllige Toenŭngŏkkwa Kwallyŏnhan Munje'e Ŏngŭp," Korean Central News Agency, 18 April 2003, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; "Spokesman for DPRK Foreign Ministry on Expected DPRK-U.S. Talks," Korean Central News Agency, 18 April 2003, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>; Glenn Kessler, "N. Korea Says Is Has Nuclear Arms; At Talks with U.S.; Pyongyang Threatens 'Demonstration' or Export of Weapons," Washington Post, 25 April 2003, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; David E. Sanger, "North Korea Says It Now Possesses Nuclear Material," New York Times, 25 April 2003, p. A1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "US and North Korea Break Off Dialogue on Nuclear Issue," ITAR-TASS, 25 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Wolf Blitzer and Andrea Koppel, "Administration Sources: North Korea Threatens Nuke Weapon Test," CNN, Transcript #042401CN.V00, 24 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Bill Gertz, "N. Korea Reiterates Plans for Fuel Rods; Starts Talks Vowing Reprocessing Work," Washington Times, p. A1, 24 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "North Korea, in Talks with U.S., Says It Possesses Nuclear Arms; Said to Offer 'Deal' for Concessions," Facts on File World News Digest, 23 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea's 'Bold Proposal' Features 4 Points," Japan Economic Newswire, 28 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Urged Not to Raise Format of Talks as Precondition," Korean Central News Agency, 24 May 2003, <http://www.kcna.co.jp>.

27-30 April 2003
North and South Korea hold the tenth round of ministerial-level talks in Pyongyang. The North and South Korean delegations are respectively headed by Senior Cabinet Councilor Kim Ryŏng Sŏng and Chŏng Se Hyŏn, South Korean unification minister. During the talks, the South Korean delegation demands that North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons program, but the North Korean delegation reportedly dismisses the demand, refusing to clarify statements at talks with the United States and China in Beijing, and claiming that its nuclear program is an issue to be discussed only in bilateral US-North Korean talks. The two Koreas conclude the talks with an agreement to work toward a peaceful resolution to the nuclear crisis. The two Koreas issue a six-point joint statement stating that "North and South Korea will thoroughly consult each other's position on the nuclear issue on the Korea peninsula and will continue cooperation to resolve the issue peacefully through dialogue." In addition, the joint statement left room for the possibility of South Korea's participation in future multilateral talks with the US regarding the nuclear issue.
—"North Korea, in Talks with U.S., Says It Possesses Nuclear Arms: Said to Offer 'Deal' for Concessions," Facts on File World News Digest, 7 May 2003, p. 324B3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Stalls During Weapons Talks," Newsday (New York), 28 April 2003, p. A12, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Seo Hyun Jin, "North Deaf to South's Call for Disarmament," Korea Herald, 28 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 28 April 2003, in "N Korea 'Reluctant' to Include South's 'Demand' on Nuclear Issue in Statement," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 28 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Jong Heon Lee, "S. Korea Fails to Get North's Nuke Pledge," United Press International, 29 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 29 April 2003, in "North, South Korea Issue Joint Statement from Ministerial Talks," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 29 April 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Sŏng Tong Ki, "Changgwan'gŭphoedam It'ŭljjae/Puk 'Haeg'ŭn Puk-Migan'e P'urŏyahal Munje'," Donga Ilbo, 29 April 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; An Chun Hyŏn, "Nambuk 'Haekhae'gyŏlwihae Kyesok Hyŏmnyŏk'/Changgwankŭphoedam Kyŏnghyŏptŭng 6 Kaehang Kongdongbodomun Palp'yo," Hankook Ilbo, 30 April 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Seo Soo Min, "Koreas Agree on Peaceful Resolution of Nuke Crisis," Korea Times, 30 April 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >.

29 April 2003
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) announces it will accept applications from areas interested in housing a nuclear waste site until 15 June 2003. The selected site will receive $246 million and will be given priority in the selection of a nuclear accelerator lab. In addition, MOCIE says it will remove all areas that are opposed to the construction of a nuclear waste site from its list. The government has selected four sites as its first choice and hopes to receive applications from them. The Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) and the Nuclear Environment Technology Institute are responsible for selecting a site and hope to construct a low-level radioactive waste repository by 2008. KHNP officials want the selection process to be democratic and transparent and a site will only be selected if 50% of the local residents approve.
—Hoh Kui Seek, "Volunteer Areas Wanted for Nuclear Dump Site," Joongang Ilbo, 30 April 2003, <http://joongangdaily.joins.com>; Mark Hibbs, "Korean Political Leadership Must Back Repository, Experts Warn," Nucleonics Week, 1 May 2003, p. 11, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Im Song Hak and Kim Sang Hwa, "Haek P'aegijang Ibŏnen Yuch'i'gyŏngjaeng," Taehan Mail, 29 April 2003, p. 10, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

29 April 2003
North and South Korea conclude the 10th ministerial talks with an agreement to work towards a peaceful resolution of the nuclear crisis. The two Koreas issue a six-point joint statement stating that "North and South Korea will thoroughly consult each other's position on the nuclear issue on the Korea peninsula and will continue cooperation to resolve the issue peacefully through dialogue." In addition, the joint statement left room for the possibility of South Korea's participation in future multilateral talks with the US regarding the nuclear issue.
—Seo Soo Min, "Koreas Agree on Peaceful Resolution of Nuke Crisis," Korea Times, 30 April 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >.

30 April-2 May 2003
The 17th DUPIC (Direct Use of Spent PWR Fuel in Candus) Project Review Meeting is held in South Korea. Participants discuss the next DUPIC research and development plan, and safeguards.
—Kim Ho Dong, "17th DUPIC Project Review Meeting Held," TCNC Newsletter, 1 June 2003, <http://www.tcnc.kaeri.re.kr/Newsletter/tcncnews.htm>.

7 May 2003
South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Yŏng Kwan says, "Only the verifiable and irreversible scrapping of North Korea's nuclear programs can lead to security guarantees and economic aid for the North." Yun adds, "The United States and the international community will not reward North Korea for its bad behavior."
—Chŏng Chae Kwŏn, "Han'guk Pukhaektangsajawŏnch'ik P'ogianhae," Hangyoreh Shinmun, 8 May 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Jong Heon Lee, "N. Korea Must First Scrap Nukes: Seoul's FM," United Press International, 7 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Pyongyang Must Earn Aid: Minister," Korea Herald, 8 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 May 2003
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Kim Chŏng No says that despite Pyongyang's admission that it possesses nuclear weapons and has begun reprocessing spent nuclear fuel rods, the construction of the two KEDO light-water nuclear reactors continues. According to Kim, 605 South Koreans, 353 Uzbeks and 99 North Koreans are currently working on the reactors. Kim also announces that as of April 2003, South Korea has spent $850 million on the project.
—"Two Nuclear Reactors under Construction in NKorea," ITAR-TASS, 14 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Jae Suk Yoo, "Construction of Nuclear Reactors in North Korea Ongoing, Despite Tension," Associated Press, 14 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 May 2003
US President George W. Bush and South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun meet in Washington. After the meeting the two leaders issue a joint statement in which they state that they "will not tolerate" nuclear weapons in North Korea and will continue to work toward "the complete, verifiable and irreversible elimination of North Korea's nuclear weapons program through peaceful means based on international cooperation."
—"Bush, Roh 'Will Not Tolerate' Nuclear Weapons in N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 14 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Tom Raum, "South Korean President, Bush Agree They Can't Tolerate a Nuclear Armed North Korea," Associated Press, 14 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 15 May 2003, in "Full Text of South Korea-US Summit Joint Statement," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 15 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

12-16 May 2003
The 16-member Technical Working Group on Fast Reactors (TWG-FR) of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) holds its annual meeting in Taejŏn. The group agrees that restarting Japan's Monju prototype reactor will be crucial for fast reactor development worldwide.
—Gamani Seneviratne, "Monju Restart Called Vital for Fast Reactor Research," Nuclear News, July 2003, p. 56, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 May 2003
The Ulchin-1 and -2 nuclear power reactors are temporarily shut down due to a suspected shortage in some of its 96 generator coils. According to authorities, the incident is tentatively classified as a zero level breakdown according to the safety criteria of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Ministry of Science and Technology says its scheduled overhaul for February 2004 will be pushed up and both Ulchin reactors will undergo overhauls in July 2003 in order to prevent possible disruptions of power supplies.
—Kim Hee Seob, "Nuclear Generator Idled as Precaution," Chosun Ilbo, 16 May 2003, <http://www.chosun.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 16 May 2003, in "ROK's Ulchin Nuclear Reactor Experiences 'Zero-Level' 'Breakdown' Due to 'Malfunction'," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030516000063.

19-23 May 2003
The annual meeting of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is held in Pusan. The meeting ends with a press statement calling for increased efforts to prevent North Korea from acquiring nuclear material and technologies.
—Kim Su Chŏng, "Wŏnjaryŏkkonggŭpkukkurup Pusanch'onghoe/Haekmulchil Puksuch'ulip T'ongje Kanghwadoena," Taehan Maeil, 20 May 2003, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 23 May 2003, in "NSG Meeting Calls for More Vigilance Against N.K. Nuclear Efforts," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030523000055.

20 May 2003
The fifth round of inter-Korean economic cooperation talks are held in Pyongyang. South Korean Vice Finance and Economy Minister Kim Kwang Rim tells the North Korean delegation that if North Korea continues to raise tension on the peninsula with its nuclear weapons program, South Korea will not be able to promote inter-Korean business projects. In response, Park Ch'ang Ryŏn, head of the North Korean delegation, warns that South Korea will suffer an "unspeakable catastrophe" if it continues to support US efforts to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.
—"S. Korea Conveys Concern to North about Nuclear Program," Japan Economic Newswire, 20 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Korean Economic Bilateral Suspended after North Korean Threat," Deutsche Presse-Agentur, 21 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim Sang Hyŏp, "It'ŭljjae P'ahaeng Nambukkyŏnghyŏbŭi Chŏnmang/Puk Kyŏgnhyŏbŭiji T'agyŏlganŭngsŏng," Munhwa Ilbo, 21 May 2003, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 21 May 2003, in "Inter-Korean Economic Talks Suspended after North's Warning," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 21 May 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

24-28 May 2003
The 25th Regional Cooperative Agreement for Research, Development and Training Related to Nuclear Science and Technology conference is held in Sri Lanka. South Korea is among the 17 countries participating and serves as the chair of the conference. The participants review current and future projects with the goal of improving the use of nuclear technology for agriculture, health, industrial, environmental and medical purposes.
—"Korea Chairs Regional Nuclear Cooperative Conference," 29 May 2003, Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr>.

June 2003
South Korea and Vietnam hold a week-long meeting to discuss energy and mineral resources, and ways to ensure the success of a nuclear power plant project in Vietnam. Vietnamese officials request South Korea to hold training sessions on nuclear power plant management and allow Vietnamese workers and engineers to visit South Korean nuclear power plants.
—Vietnam News Agency, 27 June 2003, in "Vietnam, South Korea Discuss Nuclear Energy Plant," Asia Pulse, 27 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

3 June 2003
Hyundai Engineering and Construction (HEC) announces that a consortium with Daelim Industrial and SK Construction has won a contract with the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company to construct two nuclear power plants in Pusan. The contract is worth $580 million and is the largest amount for a nuclear power plant ever awarded in South Korea. Construction for the two 1,000 MW(e) plants is expected to begin later this year.
—You Ha Ryong, "Hyundai Consortium Wins Nuclear Power Project," Chosun Ilbo, 3 June 2003, <http://www.chosun.com>.

4-5 June 2003
Five senior executives of the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) submit their resignations. According to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy, the resignations are related to a recent bribery case in which 10 KEPCO officials received bribes from suppliers. In addition, the president of the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company submits his resignation due to personal reasons.
—"KEPCO Aides Quit After Bribe Case," Joongang Ilbo, 6 June 2003, <http://joongangdaily.joins.com>; Song Eui Dal, "Top KEPCO Executives Tender Resignations," Chosun Ilbo, 5 June 2003, <http://www.chosun.com>.

5 June 2003
Prime Minister Ko Kŏn tells the National Assembly that South Korea has no intention to develop nuclear weapons to counter North Korea's nuclear threat. The Prime Minister's statement comes after Representative Song Sŏk Ch'an of the Millennium Democratic Party states that South Korea should possess nuclear weapons to secure peace on the Korean Peninsula.
—Joo Sang Min, "Prime Minister Rules out S. Korea Going Nuclear," Korea Herald, 6 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim chae Kon, "Kukhoedaejŏngbu Chilmun Isaekchean," Munhwa Ilbo, 5 June 2003, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

6 June 2003
Japan's Minister of Science and Technology says he has received a notice from South Korea that it is interested in joining the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor Project (ITER).
—Jiji Press, 6 June 2003, in "Japan Welcomes ROK's Decision to Seek to Join Thermonuclear Reactor Project," FBIS Document ID: JPP20030606000119.

8 June 2003
The South Korean government says it has come up with a fund of more than 2 trillion won to develop a site for a nuclear waste facility. This fund will cover the cost to construct the waste facilities, the relocation of the head office of the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company to the region that will house the facility, and an industrial and residential complex in the area.
—Ko Ki Chŏng, "Wŏnjŏn P'egimulshisŏl Yuch'i...Chijach'e'e 2 Chowŏn T'uja," Donga Ilbo, 9 June 2003, p. 35, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Song Eui Dal, "Fund Mapped out for Nuclear Waste Facilities," Chosun Ilbo, 8 June 2003, <http://www.chosun.com>.

11 June 2003
The South Korean government announces plans to increase defense spending 28.3% from the 2003 fiscal year budget. The 2004 budget is $18.6 billion and includes the acquisition of new equipment such as missiles, surveillance planes, a military satellite, an Aegis warship and the possibility of the US Patriot missile. The government decides to increase defense spending to counter the growing North Korean threat.
—Hong Kong AFP, 11 June 2003, in "S. Korea Boosts Defense Spending to Counter North Korean Threats," FBIS Document ID: JPP20030611000080; Choe Chae Yŏng, "Kukpangbi GDP 3.2% Ro Taep'okchŭngaek-Naenyŏn 22 Cho Yogu...Olhaeboda 4 Cho 5 Ch'ŏnŏk Nŭllyŏ," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 5 June 2993, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

12 June 2003
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) announces it will finalize an "atomic energy technology map" by April 2004 that describes atomic energy related technologies to be developed by South Korea. A council comprised of both the atomic and non-atomic energy sectors has recently been formed to launch the projects. The projects include technologies for clean energy supplies, radio therapeutics, radiobiology, high-end industrial technologies that are directly linked to atomic energy, core technologies whose intellectual property will be shared, and technological methods to help the public understand nuclear fusion and atomic energy.
—So Chi Un, Korea Herald, 13 June 2003, in "Ministry to Draw Atomic Tech Map," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030612000110.

12-13 June 2003
Representatives from the United Stated, Japan and South Korea meet in Hawaii for a meeting of the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group aimed at coordinating policies on North Korea. In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the talks, the delegations state that while North Korea's nuclear weapons program will not be tolerated, the conflict should be resolved peacefully and diplomatically through five-party talks that include Japan, South Korea and China. At the talks, the US delegation reportedly suggests halting the project to build two light water nuclear reactors in August and beginning talks to dissolve KEDO, the consortium in charge of the light water reactor project.
—"Japan, U.S., S. Korea to Seek 5-Way Talks with N. Korea," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 12 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kyodo News Service, 13 June 2003, in "Japan, US, South Korea Agree to Urge N Korea to Abandon Nukes," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 13 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 14 June 2003, in "South Korea, Japan, US Issue Statement in Dealing with Pyongyang," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 14 June 2003, in "South Korean Official Says Seoul Keen to Continue North Energy Project," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 14 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Seoul Hints at Complying with US to Halt Nuclear Plant in NK," Korea Times, 26 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Han Chong Ho, "TCOG Ŭijewa Chŏnmang/Pukhan'e '5 Chahoedam Cheŭi' Choyul," Munhwa Ilbo, 12 June 2003, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

13 June 2003
According to diplomatic sources, the US, Japan and South Korea are considering delaying orders for major parts needed to construct two light water reactors for North Korea. However, the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) will continue to work on the peripheral structures that will house the reactors. In addition, the US and Japan may consider completely abandoning the KEDO project.
—Kyodo News Service, 12 June 2003, in "Japan, South Korea, USA to Freeze North Korea Nuclear Project," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 12 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

14 June 2003
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade issues a press release stating that the talks with the US and Japan over North Korea's illegal activities is not connected to the North Korean nuclear issue. According to the Ministry, South Korea did not discuss ways to impose sanctions against North Korea.
—Yonhap News Agency, 14 June 2003, in "Seoul Calls N.K. Bodies' Shady Activities Irrelevant to Nuke Issue," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030614000065.

20 June 2003
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) says that the Vice Minister will discuss with the US ways to cooperate in science and technology during a seven day meeting in early August 2003. The Vice Minister is expected to discuss South Korea's participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project (ITER), nuclear hydrogen production, robotics, and space development technology.
—Yonhap News Agency, 3 June 2003, in "SK, US to Cooperation in Science Technology," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030620000037.

23 June 2003
A South Korean government official says Seoul wants to continue the construction of the two light water reactors for North Korea despite its nuclear weapons program. According to the official, KEDO members are discussing the possibility of suspending the project, but no final decision has been made.
—Kim Ki Tae, "Seoul Hopes KEDO Project Will Continue," Korea Times, 24 June 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.

26 June 2003
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) says that a site for a nuclear waste facility will be chosen according to votes of residents by the end of July 2003. The Ministry will accept voluntary applications until 15 July 2003. According to the Ministry, areas where more than five percent of residents approve of a waste site will be asked to hold another vote at the end of August, and areas where 50 percent or more of the residents approve will automatically be considered as a possible site.
—"Residents to Pick N-Waste Sites," Joongang Ilbo, 27 June 2003, <http://joongangdaily.joins.com>; Park Sun Pin, "Haekp'yegijang Shinch'ŏngŏpsŭmyŏn Huboji Chumint'u'p'yo," Hangyoreh Shinmun, 27 June 2003, p. 14, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

Late June 2003
Charles Kartman, executive director of the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO), travels to Japan and South Korea to discuss the future of KEDO. On 27 June, Kartman meets with Japanese Foreign Minister Yoriko Kawaguchi and Katsunari Suzuki, the Japanese official in charge of KEDO issues. Kawaguchi reportedly warns Kartman that suspension of the KEDO project at this time could seriously hinder the proposed upcoming multilateral talks. On 30 June, Kartman meets with South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Yŏng Kwan and warns that the future of KEDO depends on the amount of progress made in talks with North Korea regarding its nuclear weapons program. [Note: During a meeting of the Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group held in Hawaii from 12 to 13 June, the United States representative suggested abandoning the KEDO project in August if no progress had been made in urging North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program.]
—"Reactor Project Depends on Progress in N. Korea Nuke Crisis: KEDO Chief," Agence France Presse, 30 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Gary Schaefer, "Minister: Japan Doesn't Want to Pull Plug on North Korean Nuclear Project," Associated Press, 27 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Japan Cautious about Suspending KEDO Project," Japan Economic Newswire, 27 June 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Park Sŏk Kyu, "Han-Mi, Pukkyŏngsuro Kin'gŭpchoyul," Segye Ilbo, 25 June 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

1 July 2003
A South Korean government official says the government cannot confirm a New York Times report that the CIA allegedly detected an additional test site where North Korea is developing small nuclear warheads. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also decline to confirm the report.
—Joo Sang Min, "Seoul Quiet on NK Mini Nuke Report," Korea Herald, 2 July 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >.

2 July 2003
The project members of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Research Reactor (ITER) officially accept South Korea's request for participation in the project.
—Yonhap News Agency, 2 July 2003, in "S. Korea Joins Fusion Energy Research Project," Asia Pulse, 2 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

2 July 2003
The South Korean government presents a three-stage road map to solve the North Korean nuclear crisis that will be proposed to the US and Japan during minister level talks on 3 July 2003. The road map's first stage calls for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program and return to the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in exchange for a certain level of security guarantee from the US. The second stage entails the abandonment of North Korea's clandestine uranium enrichment program, and the nuclear facilities in Yŏngbyŏn in exchange for continued heavy oil shipments from the US. The final stage involves North Korea completely renouncing all nuclear programs in exchange for a nonaggression treaty with the US and guaranteed economic support.
—Kim In Ku, Chosun Ilbo, 2 July 2003, in "Government Sketches Road Map," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030701000088; Kim Su Chŏng, "Han, Chung 'Mi, Pukch'eje Pojang Yaksogŭl'/Han, Mi, Chung Pukhaekchoyul Ch'aksu," Taehan Maeil, 3 July 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.

2-3 July 2003
Representatives from the United States, Japan and South Korea meet in Washington to discuss how to diplomatically resolve the standoff over North Korea's nuclear weapons program. All three delegations agree to call on North Korea to resolve the nuclear standoff through five-party talks that would include representatives from the United States and North Korea as well as from China, Japan and South Korea. According to sources close to the talks, the three sides agree to discuss suspending the KEDO light water reactor project if negotiations with North Korea do not produce any results by the end of August. [Note 1: US officials reportedly want to make a decision on the suspension or cancellation of the KEDO project before Congress begins debate in early September on the budget for fiscal year 2004; Note 2: In his telephone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin on 2 July US President George W. Bush reportedly proposed six-way talks with the participation of Russia. However, it is not clear whether or not the option of six-party talks were discussed at the July 2-3 meeting among the three countries.]
—"US, Japanese, SKorean Officials Meet on DPRK Nuclear Issue," Xinhua News Agency, 2 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Japan Proposes Suspension of KEDO Reactor Construction," Japan Economic Newswire, 3 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 3 July 2003, in "South Korea Presents USA, Japan with Blueprint to Resolve North Crisis," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 3 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "No Decision Made for KEDO Project for N. Korea," Jiji Press Ticker Service, 4 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "U.S. Eyes KEDO Decision by Aug. to Stop Reactor Construction," Japan Economic Newswire, 8 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Nyusŭ P"'ŭlrŏsŭ/Han, Mi, Il Onŭl Wŏshingt'ŏnsŏ Pukhaekchoyul," Taehan Maeil, 2 July 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >; "'Pukhaek 6 Chahoedam Yŏlja' Bushi, P'utin'e Cheŭi," Chosun Ilbo, 4 July 2003, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >; Han Chong Ho, "Pukhaekhaebŏp '6 Chahoedam' Kŭppusang," Munhwa Ilbo, 3 July 2003, p. 8, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >; Chŏng Tong Shik and Park Yong Ch'ae, "3 Kukshilmuhoedam Chŏnmang/ "Kyŏngsuro Ilshijungdan" Ildo Mie Tongjo," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 2 July 2003, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >.

6 July 2003
A South Korean military official's report about North Korea's nuclear weapons program using enriched uranium is published in a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JSA) magazine. According to the official, North Korea may have recruited scientists to develop a uranium based nuclear weapons after its plutonium based program was suspended under the 1994 Agreed Framework. In addition, the official claims that North Korea may be developing a gun type rather than an implosion type weapons with technical assistance from Pakistan.
—Cho Sŭng Chin, "Hapch'im 'Puk Uranyumt'an Kaebal Shilt'ae'/Pak'ist'ansŏ Kisul Ijŏnhandŭt," Taehan Maeil, 7 July 2003, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/ >; Yonhap News Agency, 6 July 2003, in "North Korea Developing Uranium-Based Nuclear Bomb, Says South Military Official," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 6 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

9 July 2003
During a closed door meeting with the National Assembly's Intelligence Committee, the director announces that North Korea conducted 70 high explosive tests linked to nuclear weapons development in Yongdŏk-dong, Kusŏng, North P'yŏn'an Province, from 1997 to September 2002. Members of the Grand National Party (GNP) question the government's decision to move ahead with the Sunshine Policy knowing that North Korea was developing nuclear weapons. Members of the GNP criticize the former Kim Dae Jung administration and call the recent high explosive tests, "clear evidence that Seoul's financial assistance to Pyongyang is directly linked to its development of nuclear arms."
—Park Chu Ho, "Chŏngbowi/Kukchŏng'wŏnjang Pukhaekpogo P'ajang...Miŏllonbodowa Pisŭt," Kukmin Ilbo, 10 July 2003, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>; Joo Sang Min, "Assembly Asks: Did NK Test Bomb," Korea Herald, 12 July 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.

10 July 2003
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) says that South Korean export companies have been indifferent to the "Catch All" system enforced at the beginning of the year. The Catch All system bans the export of specific types of biochemical, semiconductor and machine tool products that can be used to manufacture weapons of mass destruction. Under the system, South Korean export companies are to request approval from MOCIE if there are suspicions that the end users are developing weapons of mass destruction. According to MOCIE there have been massive exports of Korean chemicals, semiconductors and machinery, yet they have not received a single request for approval. MOCIE plans to improve the effectiveness of the system by establishing a strategic material control center and a strategic material management information system. In addition, the Ministry provided information about the Catch All system to 50 of South Korea's largest export companies on 8 July 2003.
—Yoo Cheong Mo, Yonhap News Agency, 10 July 2003, in "South Korean Firms Urged to Heed WMD Rules," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030710000011.

10-12 July 2003
Representatives of North and South Korea meet in Seoul for the eleventh Inter-Korean Ministerial Meeting. The North and South Korean delegations are headed by Kim Ryŏng Sŏng and Chŏng Se Hyŏn respectively. In his opening speech, Kim blames the United States for the current nuclear standoff and says that North Korea is prepared for both dialogue and war. The South Korean delegation urges North Korea to accept a multilateral forum for discussing the issue with the United States, but the North Korean delegation remains recalcitrant, insisting that bilateral US-North Korean talks are the only way of resolving the standoff and thus must precede any multilateral talks.
—Kim Sŭng Ryŏn, "11 Ch'a Nambukchanggwan'gŭp Hoedam/Pukkimyŏngsŏng 'Hanbando'e Haekmŏkkurŭm Mollyŏ'onda,'," Donga Ilbo, 10 July 2003, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Kim Chin Ho, "Changgwan'gŭphoedam Chŏnch'ehoeŭi T'amsaekchŏn-Pukhaeg'wigi 'Konggam' Haebŏbŭn 'P'aengp'aeng'," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 11 July 2003, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "High-Level Dialogue Put Off in Seoul: Wording of Joint Statement Causes Delay," Bangkok Post, 12 July 2003, <http://www.bangkokpost.com>.

11 July 2003
South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Yŏng Kwan, referring to North Korea's refusal to participate in multilateral talks on resolving the current nuclear standoff, tells that National Assembly that "if the North continues to refuse to abandon its nuclear program and does not agree to negotiations, it will affect the way the (South Korean) government pursues the 'peace and prosperity policy' or the contents of the policy itself."
—Kim Kwang Ho, "Puk, Haekkaebal Pulp'ogi, Hyŏpsangburŭngddaen P'yonghwa Pŏnyŏngjŏngchaek Chaego Pulgap'i," Kyunghayng Shinmun, 12 July 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>;
P.S. Suryanarayana, "N-Arms: Seoul to Harden Stance," The Hindu, 12 July 2003, <http://www.thehindu.com>.

15 July 2003
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy (MOCIE) announces that Puan-kun is the only local government to submit an application for the construction of a nuclear waste site. The kun government selected Wi-do, the largest island in the area with a population of 1,200. MOCIE will conduct geological tests over the next year and if the area is deemed appropriate for a nuclear waste facility, construction will begin in 2005. If the government decides to build a nuclear waste facility on Wi-do, the island will receive $500 million as compensation for possible dangers, two new golf practice ranges, and the construction of an additional campus of the state-run Chŏnbuk National University. According to Puan-kun officials, about 90 percent of the local residents approved the nuclear waste site facility.
—Kim Jong Yoon, "Only One Bid for Nuclear-Waste Facility," Joongang Ilbo, 16 July 2003, <http://joongangdaily.joins.com>; Song Eui Dal, "Radioactive Waste Site Officially Chosen," Chosun Ilbo, 15 July 2003, <http://www.chosun.com>.

16 July 2003
Puan-kun residents and officials threaten to withdrawal their bid to house a nuclear waste facility if the Seoul Administrative Court does not repeal its decision to halt a tideland reclamation project in the region. The 12-year project is 80 percent completed and cost approximately 1.5 trillion won. Local residents and officials have already brought the case to an appellate court that will make a final decision in 2 weeks.
—Kim Ch'ang Kon, "'Saemangumddaen, Chongukch'ejon P'ogi' Chŏnbuk Sahoedanch'edŭng Panbal," Chosun Ilbo, 17 July 2003, 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Halted Tideland Project," Korea Herald, 18 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Joo Sang Min, "Suspension of Project Angers Residents," Korea Herald, 18 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 July 2003
The Ministry of National Defense says North Korea has operationally deployed an additional Nodong missile battalion. Furthermore, the ministry states that North Korea has moved its 170 and 240 millimeter long-range guns closer to the Demilitarized Zone, and increased its supply of small submarines and tanks.
—Yu Yong Won, "Puk, Nodongmisail 1 Kaedaedae Chunggang/Sajonggori 1300km...Ilbon Chonnyok Wihyŏp," Chosun Ilbo, 19 July 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Yi Yong Chong and Sol Myo Cha, Joongang Ilbo, 19 July 2003, in "Ministry Says North Has Put More Missiles into Service," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030719000003.

20 July 2003
The South Korean government says it cannot confirm a New York Times article claiming North Korea has built a second plutonium processing facility. According to South Korean sources, the US and South Korea have never discussed these facilities during official talks. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade states that the article contains unverified information and will not likely affect the ongoing efforts to end the nuclear crisis through peaceful dialogue.
—Kim In Ku, "Chŏngbu, 'Pukkasŭro Tanjŏngmothae'," Chosun Ilbo, 21 July 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 20 July 2003, in "Gov't Says it Can't Confirm Report of Secret NK Nuclear Site," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030720000037.

21 July 2003
Romania's Ministry of Education, Research and Youth issues a press release about its plan to visit South Korea at the invitation of the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) on 19-27 July. The purpose of the visit is to strengthen South Korean and Romanian cooperation in the field of nuclear power. According to the press release, the two countries will sign a cooperation agreement on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy that will allow South Korean companies to invest in nuclear projects in Romania.
—Rompres News Agency, 21 July 2003, in "Romania, South Korea to Sign Cooperation Accord in Nuclear Energy," BBC Monitoring International Reports, July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21 July 2003
South Korea and Romania sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on strengthening bilateral cooperation in an ongoing feasibility study on Romania's Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant III, and to allow South Korean companies to participate in its construction. The construction of the Cernavoda III was suspended in 1991 due to financial problems, but it is expected to resume and be completed by 2009. In addition, the MOU calls for South Korea to provide construction and technology consulting and manpower training for the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plants I and II.
—Yonhap News Agency, 21 July 2003, in "South Korea, Romania Sign MOU on N-Power Plant," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030721000018.

21 July 2003
South Korea and the US announce they will hold an annual combined military drill as a rehearsal for a northern invasion on 18-29 August.
—Yonhap News Agency, 21 July 2003, in "South Korea, US to Stage Joint Military Drill 18-29 August," BBC Worldwide Monitoring, 21 July 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

21 July 2003
South Korean President, Roh Moo Hyun rejects recent allegations that North Korea secretly built another plutonium processing facility. The allegations were reported in a New York Times article that cited American and Asian sources with access to recent intelligence on the possibility of North Korea having another facility.
—ITAR-TASS, 21 July 2003, in "Seoul Rejects Claims on Pyongyang's Second Plutonium Plant," FBIS Document ID: CEP20030721000079; Ch'a Se Hyŏn, "No, Mi'ŏllon'e Nogonjŏk Pulg'waegam –'NTY Tŭng Ittan Pukhaekpodo Han'gukkyŏngje Ch'anmul'," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 22 July 2003, p. 5, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

22 July 2003
Residents of Puan-kun and environmentalists protest the construction of a nuclear waste facility. Puan-kun is the only local government to apply for a permit to construct a nuclear waste facility.
—Kim P'an Su and Park Yong Kŭn, "Puan Haekp'yegijang Pandae Kyŏkhwa, Onŭl Taegyumo Shiwi...Kunŭihoe Ŭijang Chiptanp'onghaeng Tanghae," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 22 July 2003, p. 18, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Kang Chan Su, "Nuclear Facility Fights Grow," Joongang Ilbo, 23 July 2003, <http://joongangdaily.joins.com>.

23 July 2003
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy postpones its decision to announce Wi-do as South Korea's first nuclear waste site due to protests by local residents, and environmentalists. However, government officials still hope to designate the island as a nuclear waste site by the end of the month.
—Song Eui Dal, "Official Designation of Waste Site Put Off," Chosun Ilbo, 23 July 2003, in <http:English.chosun.com>; Kim Jong Yoon, "Seoul Shelves Decision on Nuclear Waste Site," Joongang Ilbo, 24 July 2003, <http://joongangdaily.joins.com>; "Nyusŭ P'ŭllŏsŭ/Wido Haekp'yegijang Puji Chijŏng Yŏn'gi," Taehan Maeil, 24 July 2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

24 July 2003
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy officially announces Wi-do in Puan-kun as the site for South Korea's first nuclear waste facility. The construction of the facility is expected to being in October 2006.
—Song Ŭi Tal, "Wido Haekp'yegijang Hwakchŏng 2006 Nyŏn Ch'akkong," Chosun Ilbo, 25 July 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Song Eui Dal, "Pick for Toxic Waste Site Official," Chosun Ilbo, 24 July 2003, <http://english.chosun.com>.

14 August 2003
The Chinese and South Korean governments officially confirm that the six-party talks on the North Korean nuclear crisis will be held in Beijing 27-29 August. The participants will include North and South Korea, China, the US, Japan and Russia.
—"Beijing Confirms Six-Way N Korea Talks Set for August 27-29," Agence France Press, 14 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, "Six-Way Nuclear Talks Set for Aug. 27-29 in Beijing." 14 August 2003, in "ROK 'Officially' Announces 6-Party Nuclear Talks to be Held on 27-29 Aug," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030814000005; Kwŏn Kyŏng Pok, "Han, Chung Woemu '6 Chahoedam' Hyŏbŭi," Chosun Ilbo, 14 August2003, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

14 August 2003
South Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Lee Su Hyŏk announces that South Korea, Japan and the US will approach the upcoming six-party talks with separate offers to North Korea rather than a joint offer. However, Lee points out that the three countries have agreed on the goal and overall strategy of the upcoming talks. In addition, Lee says that the US will not provide North Korea with a legally binding non-aggression treaty because the nuclear crisis involves other countries in the region,
—Yonhap News Agency, 15 August 2003, in "South Korea, USA, Japan Fine-Tune Strategies for Nuclear Talks with North," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 15 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Lee Mi Suk, "6 Chahoedamsŏ 'Puk Anbouryŏ' Nonŭi," Munhwa Ilbo, 15 August 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

15 August 2003
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) announces it will seek greater cooperation with the US and China in atomic energy during side meetings with both countries at the International Atomic Energy Agency's annual conference in September. MOST hopes to discuss cooperation in hydrogen production as a next generation energy source, and atomic energy construction projects with China. MOST officials also hope to gain US support for South Korea's participation in the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor project.
—"Korea Seeks Energy Projects with China, US," Korea Herald, 16 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

16 August 2003
South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun says South Korea and its neighbors will provide North Korea with "massive economic assistance" if it agrees to abandon its nuclear weapons program. During a speech marking the 58th anniversary of Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Roh adds that South Korea will increase economic cooperation through joint projects and that North Korea should not miss this opportunity.
—Lee Hŭng U, "No, 8.15 Kyŏngch'uksa...'10 Nyŏnnae Chajugukpang'," Kukmin Ilbo, 15 August, 2003, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "President Pledges Economic Aid if NK Scraps Nukes," Korea Times, 16 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

17 August 2003
Puan-kun residents stage a protest along a major highway against the South Korean government's decision to build the country's first nuclear waste facility on Wi-do, an islet in Puan-kun. According to residents, the local government (kun) magistrate did not receive their consent prior to submitting its application to become a nuclear waste site.
—Kim Kwang O, "Puanjumin Ddo Kosokdo Ch'aryangshiwi...100 Yŏdae Sŏhae-Honamsŏnsŏ Sŏhaeng'unjŏn," Donga Ilbo, 18 August 2003, p. 27, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Yonhap News Agency, 17 August 2003, in "ROK's Yonhap: Nuclear Site Protesters Occupy Highway Section," World News Connection, 17 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 August 2003
Continental Electronics, a subsidiary of the US firm Integrated Defense Technologies, Inc., announces it has won a $2.6 million contract to build a specialized radio frequency amplifier for the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). The amplifier will be used to generate power for the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research Ion Cyclotron Heating System (KSTAR ICH).
—"Integrated Defense Technologies Subsidiary, Continental Electronics, Awarded $2.6 M Contract by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute in Daejon, South Korea," PR Newswire, 18 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 August 2003
North Korean fishing boats cross about 200 meters into waters belonging to South Korea. The South Korean navy responds by firing five warning shots and the North Korean ship returns to its territory within five minutes. No further hostile exchanges between the two countries occur and South Korea officials say they will study whether this violation was intentional.
—"South Korean Navy Fires Warning Shots at North Korean Fishing Boat," Associated Press, 18 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

18 August 2003
American and South Korean troops begin the annual twelve-day Ulchi Focus Lens exercises that focus on computerized war simulations with North Korea. North Korea criticizes the exercises, calling it a "pre-emptive attack" against their country.
—"US, South Korea Launch War Games Despite North Korean Fury," Agence France Presse, 18 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

20 August 2003
South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Yun Yŏng Kwan reconfirms that the US will hold informal, bilateral talks with North Korea during the upcoming six-party talks. In addition, Yun says that the six-party talks are just the first step in what will be a long process to resolve North Korea's nuclear issues, and warns not to expect an immediate solution.
—Xinhua News Agency, 20 August 2003, in "Xinhua: ROK FM Confirms US, DPRK to Hold Bilateral Dialog During Six-Party Talks," World News Connection, 20 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Yonhap News Agency, 20 August 2003, in "First ROK FM Weekly Briefing: FM Warns Against Excessive Hopes for 6-Way Talks," FBIS Document ID: KPP20030820000053.

21 August 2003
During his first public appearance since leaving office, former South Korean President Kim Dae Jung calls on North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, and for the US to reciprocate by providing a security guarantee. Kim stresses how increased tensions can lead to another war on the Korean Peninsula and says many Koreans are concerned about the hard-line position of some US officials towards North Korea.
—"DJ, T'oeim 6 Kaewŏlman'e Ch'ŏt Konggae Kang'yŏn...'Haekp'ogi, Ch'ejebojang'ŭn Puk, Miga Haegyŏlhaeya'," Chosun Ilbo, 22 August 2003, p. 4, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Sim Sung Tae, "Kim Calls for US-NK Nonaggression Pact," Korea Herald, 22 August 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.

26 August 2003
According to a Washington Times report, US officials say the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) is ready to completely abandon the construction of two light water reactors for North Korea. The report cites an anonymous US source that says the Bush administration wants to completely end the project, while South Korea and Japan want a one-year suspension of work. The report further states that KEDO members are expected to make an official decision to suspend construction during its board meeting in October.
—David R. Sands, "Reactor Project Ends for N. Korea," Washington Times, 27 August 2003, p. 1, <http://www.washingtontimes.com>.

27 August 2003
The six-party talks to resolve the North Korean nuclear crisis open in Beijing. Representatives from each country express the willingness to cooperate in resolving the nuclear issue. North Korea reiterates its demands for a nonaggression treaty, blaming this need on the US's hostile policy. In addition, the North Korean delegate, Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il, says North Korea will not allow nuclear inspections and will not abandon its nuclear capabilities unless the US changes its hard line policies. According to the Joongang Ilbo, Kim presents a four stage plan to resolve the nuclear crisis. The first step involves North Korea announcing its intention to abandon its nuclear weapons program after the US resumes heavy oil shipments. In the second stage, North Korea will allow for inspections of its nuclear facilities after the US signs a nonaggression treaty. The third step calls for the settlement of issues related to North Korea's missile development after North Korea normalizes relations with the US and Japan. In the final stage, North Korea will abandon its nuclear weapons program after the light water reactors are completed. During his keynote speech, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs James Kelly calls for the immediate and verifiable dismantlement of North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Kelly adds that the US will address North Korea's security concerns and provide economic aid if North Korea takes the first step towards nuclear disarmament. In addition, Kelly says that the US has no intentions of invading or creating a regime change in North Korea. South Korea presents a plan to provide economic and humanitarian aid and increase economic cooperation if North Korea agrees to resolve the nuclear problem. Japan offers to resume talks for the normalization of relations between the two countries, and economic aid if North Korea resolves the nuclear, missile, and abducted Japanese issues. Both Russia and China call for the US and North Korea to address each other's concerns and stresses the importance of the international nonproliferation regime. After each country presents its position on the nuclear issue, North Korea and the US hold informal talks for thirty minutes. The content of their discussion is not made public. North and South Korean officials also meet unofficially for 30 minutes in the evening. According to the South Korean foreign ministry, North Korea did not fully understand parts of the US keynote speech and requested assistance from South Korea officials. The two Koreas agree that the unofficial bilateral talks are useful and decide to hold additional talks if necessary. At the conclusion of the talks, the parties fail to adopt a joint resolution and to designate a date for the second round of talks. [NOTE: According to an ITAR-TASS report, North Korea's Deputy Foreign Minister Kim Yong Il announces that North Korea does not posses nuclear weapons but threatens to "create a more powerful deterrence potential" if the US does not agree to a nonaggression treaty. However, according to a Korea Times report, South Korea's delegate to the talks Wi Sung Rac says North Korea made no comments referring to its possession of nuclear weapons.]
—Seo Soo Min, "US Insists Pyongyang Drop Nuke Programs," Korea Times, 27 August 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Andrei Kirilow, "N Korea Has No Nuclear Weapons, Deputy Foreign Minister Says," ITAR-TASS, 27 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Seo Hyun Min, "US, NK Lock Horns in Talks," Korea Herald, 28 August 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Delegates Express Willingness to Cooperate at First Session of N. Korea Talks," Agence France Presse, 27 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "N. Korea Unveils 4-Stage Approach to Settling Nuke Issue," Japan Economic Newswire, 28 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kyodo News Service, 28 August 2003, in "N. Korea 'Expected' to Detail Position on Scrapping Nuclear Programme 28 Aug," BBC Monitoring International Reports, 28 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Seo Soo Min, "US, NK Agrees to Avoid Confrontation," Korea Times, 29 August 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Six Nations Agree on Nuke-Free Korea," Korea Herald, 31 August 2003, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "China's Chief Delegate Says Six-Point Consensus Reached at N. Korea Talks," AFX, 29 August 2003, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>;"N. Korea Asks S. Korea to Explain US Position-Official," AFX