South Korean Government Launches Probe into Possible Radioactive Contamination from North Korean Uranium Plant

The South Korean government has announced the commencement of an on-site investigation at ten locations, including Ganghwa Island and the Han River estuary, over concerns about potential inflow of wastewater from North Korea's Pyongsan uranium refinery plant.

According to the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, along with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment, a joint special inspection involving multiple government agencies was launched on July 4.

A day earlier, a meeting chaired by the Director-General for Unification Policy of the Ministry of Unification brought together representatives from the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of National Defense, and the National Intelligence Service to discuss a coordinated response.

This special investigation will focus on ten sites, including Ganghwa Island and the Han River estuary—areas located near the Yesong River, which poses a risk of contamination from North Korea. Authorities will closely examine the sites for radioactive substances such as uranium and cesium, as well as various heavy metals.

The results of the survey will undergo a two-week detailed analysis before being transparently disclosed to the public.

The current investigation represents a significant expansion in both scope and content compared to a similar effort conducted in 2019. The number of inspection sites has increased from six to ten, and the targets of concern have broadened beyond uranium to include cesium and a range of heavy metals. Additionally, participating agencies now include not only the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission but also the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the Ministry of Environment, enabling a more systematic and comprehensive investigation.

The government has emphasized that these inspections will not be a one-off measure, but will form part of a new monthly water quality monitoring system. A cross-agency communication channel will also be set up to ensure swift responses to public concerns.

A government official noted that authorities remain highly vigilant about nuclear-related activities within North Korea, including operations at the Pyongsan uranium refinery, and pledged a prompt and thorough interagency response to any issues that may impact public health or the environment.

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Republic of Korea Policy Briefing, Yonhap News