This annotated chronology is based on the data sources that follow each entry. Public sources often provide conflicting information on classified military programs. In some cases we are unable to resolve these discrepancies, in others we have deliberately refrained from doing so to highlight the potential influence of false or misleading information as it appeared over time. In many cases, we are unable to independently verify claims. Hence in reviewing this chronology, readers should take into account the credibility of the sources employed here.
Inclusion in this chronology does not necessarily indicate that a particular development is of direct or indirect proliferation significance. Some entries provide international or domestic context for technological development and national policymaking. Moreover, some entries may refer to developments with positive consequences for nonproliferation.
Early 1993The Korean Nuclear Engineering Laboratory, Ltd. (KONEL) signs a 15-year agreement with Wyle Laboratories for technology transfers. Wyle agrees to provide KONEL with the following: equipment inspection and qualification testing, nuclear-grade spare parts for power plants, seismic analysis and testing, aging analysis, and nuclear plant maintenance. KONEL will be South Korea's first nuclear engineering laboratory, and is expected to be operational by mid-1993. —"Wyle Signs 15-Year Technology Transfer Agreement with KOENL; Positioned to Benefit from Korean Nuclear Power Market," PR Newswire, 17 February 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
Early 1993
Korea Heavy Industries & Construction Corporation (KHIC) awards GEC Alsthom Electromechanique, Inc. a contract to supply a nuclear reactor for the Wŏlsŏng-4 nuclear power reactor.
—Power Asia, 29 March 1993, in "GEC Subcontract for Walsong Candu Project," FT Energy Newsletter, 29 March 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
19-20 January 1993
Japan and South Korea hold the third round of Japan-South Korea Consultations on Nuclear Issues at the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Given the rising international concerns over Japan's plutonium transport from Europe, the South Korean delegate Cho Wŏn Il says that Seoul expects Japan to maintain Japan's three principles on non-nuclear and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Japan conveys to South Korea that Tokyo will not establish diplomatic relations with North Korea unless Pyongyang's nuclear issue is resolved. Both sides agree to promote cooperation in research on materials for fuel rods, vessels and other component of fast breeder and light water reactors.
—"'Pukhanhaek' Kongdongdaeŭng/Il Plutonium Non'ŭi/Hanil Wŏnjaryŏkhyŏp Kae'ch'oe," Chosun Ilbo, 20 January 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.co.kr>; "ROK Urges Safety in Japan's plutonium transport," Jiji Press, 20 January 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 January 1993
During a meeting of the chairs of the Joint Nuclear Control Commission (JNCC), South Korean Director-General of the Foreign Ministry's American Affairs Bureau Chŏng Tae Ik formally notifies North Korea that it will resume the Team Spirit combined military exercise in March. Chŏng claims that "the Team Spirit resumption is a clear indication of Washington's continued determination to deter North Korea's nuclear development." The two sides left the meeting without setting a date for the next JNCC session.
—South Korean News Agency [sic], 25 January 1993, in "South Notifies North of Resumption of "Team Spirit" Exercise," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 26 January 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Nambukhaekhyŏpsang Kyŏllyŏl/'T'im' Hullyŏn Chaegae Pug'e T'ongbo/Ŏje Haekt'ongjegongdong'wi Chŏpch'ok," Chosun Ilbo, 26 January 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
29 January 1993
Son Sŏng P'il, North Korea's ambassador to Russia, warns that the US and South Korean Team Spirit joint military exercise scheduled for March 1993 may force North Korea to close its nuclear facilities to International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections. Son says that North Korea views the exercises as preparation for a potential nuclear war and that they are incompatible with the basic clauses of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Additionally, the situation does not allow North Korea "to normally fulfill its commitments" to IAEA inspections.
—Vladimir Nadashkevich, "Kunadze Urges North Korea to Abide By Non-Proliferation Treaty," ITAR-TASS, 1 February 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "N. Korea Refused IAEA Nuclear Check, S. Korean Paper," Japan Economic Newswire, 31 January 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Team Spirit Chaegaehamyŏn IAEA Haeksach'al Kŏbu/Churŏ Pukhandaesa," Donga Ilbo, 31 January 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
February 1993
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service publishes a report on the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The report lists both North and South Korea as countries capable of producing nuclear weapons, but concludes that neither country possesses nuclear bombs at this time. The agency estimates that South Korea has about 4,800 "nuclear energy specialists, of which over 500 have received training abroad."
—Yun Kuk Han, "Namhan Haekshisŏl Pukhanboda Ap'sŏtta/Russia Taewoech'ŏppoguk 'Nambukhan Haek' Pogosŏ," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 2 November 1993, p. 8, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
February 1993
The Wolgan Chosun magazine publishes the diary of the former assistant to President Park Chung Hee that exposes South Korea's plans to develop nuclear weapons in the 1970s. According to the former assistant, Park Chung Hee received information from the Defense Ministry's Defense Science Technology Research Center that South Korea can develop nuclear weapons by the first half of 1981. In addition, Park was considering disclosing this information during the Armed Forces Day celebration in October 1979. South Korea's plan to develop nuclear weapons was eventually cancelled after Park was assassinated in late 1979. [Note: The Japan Economic Newswire report states that President Park planned to announce the completion of the development of nuclear weapons in 1981 along with his resignation as president.]
—"South Korea Planned Nuclear Weapons," Jane's Defense Weekly, 27 February 1993, p. 6; "S. Korea Nearly Had the Bomb, Magazine Says," Japan Economic Newswire, 21 February 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
2 February 1993
Son Sŏng P'il, North Korea's ambassador to Russia, claims that South Korea is covertly conducting nuclear research. He says, "South Korean authorities are so actively trying to accuse the North of attempting to have its own nuclear weapons because they want to conceal their own efforts in the sphere." He urges the international community "to pay special attention to secret nuclear research in South Korea."
—Alexander Valiyev, "North Korea Opposes Japanese Wish to Join US Security Council," ITAR-TASS, 2 February 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "Hanguk Kŭkpi Haek'yŏngu/Puk Sŏnsŏngp'il Chujang," Donga Ilbo, 3 February 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr/>.
23 February 1993
In a commentary appearing in the Rodong Sinmun, the official daily of the Korean Workers Party, North Korea states that South Korea is currently developing nuclear weapons and that Seoul's nuclear development is in a "dangerous stage." The claim follows a report in the South Korean Wolgan Chosun magazine that South Korea had secretly worked to develop nuclear weapons, but canceled the project after the assassination of former President Park Chung Hee. The commentary accuses the United States and South Korea of "advertising the fiction of 'nuclear development' by the North" in order to justify the policy of turning South Korea into a nuclear base and the nuclear development by South Korea. —"North Says Nuclear Development in South Korea Has Entered a 'Dangerous Stage'," Associated Press, 23 February 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "'Han'gukhaek Wihŏmhan Tangye'/Pukhan Nodongshinmun Chujang," Chosun Ilbo, 24 February 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) provides residents in Uljin, North Kyŏngsan Province, where Uljin reactors are located, with free medical consultation services. From 1993, KEPCO will provide the itinerant medical service four times a year for people living in Uljin and Wŏlsŏng, North Kyŏngsan Province, in Yŏnggwang, North Chŏlla Provice, and in Kori, South Kyŏngsan Province. —"Wŏnjŏnjiyŏkchumin'e Muryojillyo," Segye Ilbo, 8 March 1993, p. 12, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
12 March 1993North Korea announces it is withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It cites the treaty's escape clause on defending supreme national interests. North Korea's two reasons for withdrawing are: (1) the Team Spirit "nuclear war rehearsal" military exercises; and (2) the IAEA demand for special inspection of two suspect sites. North Korea attaches a statement to its withdrawal notice that is sent to the three NPT depository states and the 154 NPT member states, in which it accuses the IAEA of violating its sovereignty and interfering in its internal affairs, attempting to stifle its socialism, and of being a "lackey" of the United States. According to North Korea, the United States influenced officials of the IAEA Secretariat and member states at the IAEA Board of Governors meeting on 25 February 1993 to adopt a resolution requiring North Korea to open military sites to inspection that are not nuclear related.
—Don Oberdorfer, The Two Koreas: A Contemporary History (Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley, 1997), p. 280; Gamini Seneviratne, "IAEA Struggling to Stand Firm and Find Face-Saver for North Korea," Nucleonics Week, 18 March 1993, p. 10; "Letter from Kim Yong-nam, DPRK Minister of Foreign Affairs," 12 March 1993; David E. Sanger, "West Knew of North Korea Nuclear Development," New York Times, 13 March 1993, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
25 March 1993
The Tokyo Shimbun reports that North Korea begins dialogue with South Korea and the United States over its nuclear program. According to the report, the secret contacts begin during a European trip by Korean Workers Party Secretary Kim Yong Sun. The purpose of the trip is to make contact with the United States and South Korea.
—KBS Radio (Seoul), 11 April 1993, in "Japanese Paper: North Korea in Secret Contact with ROK and USA on Nuclear Issue," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 13 April 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
25 March 1993
South Korean Foreign Minister Han Sŭng Ju meets with the Chinese representative to the UN Chen Jian in order to persuade China to support dealing with North Korea's nuclear issue in the UN. Representative Chen says that China shares South Korea's goal of a nuclear free Korean Peninsula, but it feels that North Korea's nuclear issue should be resolved first through the IAEA.
—KBS Radio (Seoul), 25 March 1993, in "South Korea Hopes China Will Persuade North Korea Not to Withdraw from NPT," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 27 March 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 March 1993
In his interview with the New York Times, South Korean Foreign Minister Han Sŭng Ju indicates that Seoul would support a compromise allowing United Nations inspectors to search US military facilities in South Korea in return for North Korea's acceptance of international inspections of its nuclear-related sites. He says that South Korea will support the imposition of United Nations sanctions, if North Korea continues to be in noncompliance into late May. However, he also says that he hopes "the threat of sanctions plus certain face-saving inducements will help them comply."
—Douglas Jehl, "Seoul Eases Stand on Nuclear Inspections of North," New York Times, p. A13, 30 March 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Chŏng Yŏn Ju, "Pukhan Haeksach'al Suyongha'myŏn Migun Shisŏldo Sach'alyong'ŭi," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 31 March 1993, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
17 April 1993
A South Korean government official announces that South Korea and the United States have agreed to consider high-level US-North Korean talks in order to persuade Pyongyang not to withdraw from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of its nuclear facilities.
—Yonhap News Agency, 17 April 1993, in "Yonhap: USA Agrees to High Level Contacts with DPRK," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 19 April 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>; "US Agrees to Upgrade Talks with N. Korea," Japan Economic Newswire, 17 April 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
20 April 1993
South Korea announces that it will not resume dialogue or economic cooperation with North Korea until the suspicions of its nuclear activity are resolved. In addition, South Korea will cancel all visits of its representatives to Pyongyang if North Korea does not cooperate in resolving its nuclear issues. This decision is made during a meeting of the heads of seventeen heads of ministries and government departments.
—"Seoul Rules Out Dialogue, Economic Cooperation with DPRK," 20 April 1993, Xinhua News Agency, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ivan Zakharchenko, "South Korea Will Check Cooperation with North Korea," ITAR-TASS, 20 April 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com/>.
21 April 1993
South Korean foreign Minister Han Sŭng Ju meets Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen after the opening session of the UN regional commission for Asia in Bangkok. Both sides confirm that the current nuclear situation in North Korea is in a serious phase. South Korea and China agree that both nations will make a joint effort to resolve the nuclear issue and that the Korean Peninsula should be declared a nuclear-free zone.
—Park Tu Shik, "Hanjung, Pukhaek Kondonghaegyŏl Habŭi/Woemujanggwan Hoedam," Chosun Ilbo, 22 April 1993, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Michael Haddigan, "South Korean Foreign Minister Says China Backs Nuclear-Free Korea," Associated Press, 22 April 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
22 April 1993
Operation of the Kori-4 nuclear reactor is temporarily suspended due to a malfunction of the main steam line. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) estimates it will take five days to resume reactor operations.
—"Koriwŏnjŏn 4 Hogi Ddogojang Panjŏnjŏngji," Donga Ilbo, 24 April 1993, p. 11, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; O T'ae Jin, "Kori Wŏnjŏn Kojang/'Kyŏngmihan Sago...Tassedwi Kadong," Chosun Ilbo, 23 April 1993, p. 11, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
24 May 1993
South Korea accepts the invitation from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to join the Nuclear Energy Agency.
—"International Briefs," Nuclear News, July 1993, p. 48, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
29 May 1993
The intergovernmental Russia-South Korean Committee for Scientific and Technical Cooperation is held. The agenda includes joint research projects, exchanges in fundamental science, and nuclear power engineering.
—"Korea; South Korea, Russia Discuss Scientific, Technical Cooperation in Seoul," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 4 June 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Ivan Zakharchenko, "Russia, Korea Discuss Scientific and Technical Cooperation," ITAR-TASS, 29 May 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 June 1993
North Korea announces to suspend its withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The announcements comes after the conclusion of the fourth round of talks between North Korea and the United States in New York in which the two countries issue a joint statement to agree on the principles of "assurances against the threat and use of force including nuclear weapons, peace and security in a nuclear-free Korean peninsula, mutual respect for each other's sovereignty, and noninterference in each other's internal affairs." The South Korean government reacts positively to this announcement and says it plans to actively push for inter-Korean dialogue.
—"Pyongyang Suspends Nuclear Treaty Withdrawal; Easing of Tensions Attributed to Concessions by US," Nikkei Weekly, 14 June 1993, p. 24, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Seoul Welcomes North Korean Decision on NPT," United Press International, 11 June 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
Mid-1993
Canadian, US, and South Korean companies move into the second stage of developing the direct use of spent PWR fuel in CANDU reactors (DUPIC) program. In the first stage, researchers discovered that the DUPIC program reduces the quantity of spent fuel for disposal, improves uranium utilization, and increases power output. Researchers also assessed seven different options for dry processing PWR fuel. Oreox (oxidation, reduction of enriched oxide fuel) produced the most promising results and was chosen to be studied further in the third stage of the research project.
—Ray Silver and Michael Knapik, "Canada, South Korea, US Cooperate on Study of Using Spent Fuel in CANDUS," Nuclear Fuel, 19 July 1993, p. 7, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
30 June 1993
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) completes the construction of the Irradiated Materials Examination Facility (IMEF).
—"Irradiated Materials Examination Facility," The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, <http://nfcf.kaeri.re.kr/imef/intro/history/content.asp>.
Early July 1993
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) begins operating a Tokamak, which is a magnetic plasma confinement device used in the research and development of magnetic fusion energy. The Tokomak is not device that requires natural resources for its operations nor does it generate nuclear waste.
—Haek'yunghapshilhŏm Wŏnjaro/'Tokamak' Kadong/Ch'ojŏndo Pakmakchejo Tŭng'e Iyong," Kyunghyang Shinmun, 4 July 1993, p. 10, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Haek'yunghapno Kaebalyŏngu P'ilsujangbi/'Tokamak' Kadong/Kwagiwŏn'e Sŏlch'i," Kukmin Ilbo, 5 July 1993, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
10-11 July 1993
During his visit to Seoul, US President Bill Clinton meets South Korean President Kim Young Sam to discuss North Korea's nuclear program and other economic and security issues. Both sides agree that North Korea should return to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime, allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear-related facilities and fulfill the "Joint Declaration on the Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" through North-South joint inspections. President Clinton says that both nations will continue close cooperation for a full resolution of the nuclear issue and will take "additional steps" if necessary.
—Kim Ch'ang Ki, "Pukhanhaek Kangnyŏktaeŭng 'Naeyong Motpalkyŏ'/Kim Clinton Chŏngsanghoedam," Chosun Ilbo, 11 July 1993, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "A't'aeanbo Hyŏpnyŏk/Taejadaehwa Chean/Clinton Kukhoe Yŏnsŏl," Donga Ilbo, 11 July 1993, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Clayton Jones, "Clinton Reassures Asians of American Commitment," Christian Science Monitor, 12 July 1993, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; James Kim, "Seoul-Washington Ties Warmer Than Ever," United Press International, 11 July 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 July 1993
Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) President Lee Chong Hun announces that KEPCO will begin construction of the Yŏnggwang-5 and Yŏnggwang-6 nuclear reactors in September 1995. Residents in the Yŏnggwang area declare their opposition to the nuclear reactor construction plan.
—Park Hwa Kang, "Yŏnggwangwŏnjŏn 5.6 Hogi 95 Nyŏn Ch'akkong/Chumindŭl Kŏnsŏlbandae Pulbyŏn," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 13 July 1993, p. 14, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
16 July 1993
South Korea's Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) decides to construct the Uljin-3 and Uljin-4 nuclear reactors, which will be South Korea's standard model of nuclear reactors. The two reactors are to be built in Pugu-ri, Puk-myŏn, Uljin-kun, North Kyŏngsan Province. The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is scheduled to begin the construction of the Uljin-3 and Uljin-4 reactors in June 1998 and in June 1999 respectively.
—"Uljinwŏnjŏn 3.4 Hogi Kŏnsŏlhŏga/Wŏjaryokwiwŏnhoe," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 17 July 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Uljinwŏnjŏn 3.4 Ho Kŏnsŏlhŏga/Wŏjaryokwiwŏnhoe," Kukmin Ilbo, 17 July 1993, p. 17, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
19 July 1993
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) confirms the basic construction plan for the Yŏnggwang-5 and Yonggwang-6 nuclear reactors. Construction of the two reactors is scheduled to begin in September 1995, and is expected to be completed in June 2001 and June 2002, respectively.
—"Yŏnggwangwŏnjŏn 5, 6 Hogi/95 Nyŏn Habangi Ch'akkong," Donga Ilbo, 20 July 1993, p. 10, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
22 July 1993
South Korean Foreign Minister Han Sŭng Ju warns North Korea that if it does not allow international inspections within two months the United Nations will impose sanctions.
—Kyodo News Service, "S. Korea Warns North Not to Drag out Nuclear Issue," Japan Economic Newswire, 22 July 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
24 July 1993
After the meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen in Singapore, South Korean Foreign Minister Han Sŭng Ju says that China has made a successful bid to provide 110 tons of heavy water for the Wŏlsŏng nuclear plants. This is one fourth of the total heavy water needed to operate the Wŏlsŏng nuclear reactors.
—Kim Ch'a Su, "Chung, Wŏlsŏngwŏnjŏn Chungsugonggŭp/Hanjyŏnipch'al Ddanae Paek 10t Kyumo Kot Chŏngshikkyeyak," Donga Ilbo, 25 July 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; Kim chong Tu, "Wŏlsŏng Wŏnjŏnyong Chungsu/Chunggukwŏ Toip'k'iro," Kyungyhyang Shinmun, 25 July 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
August 1993
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) announces that it will request bids for two nuclear power reactors to be built in Yŏnggwang-kun, South Chŏlla Province. ABB Combustion Engineering and Nuclear Power International, a French-German partnership company, are expected to submit bids.
—Mark Hibbs, "KEPCO Expected to Request Bids for Yonggwang-5 And -6 Soon," Nucleonics Week, 12 August 1993, p. 3, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
August 1993
Construction begins on the Wŏlsŏng-3 and Wŏlsŏng-4 nuclear power reactors.
—Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), "Han'guk Suryŏkwŏnjaryŏk (Chu) Wŏlsŏng Wŏnjaryŏk Ponbu," <http://www.khnp.co.kr/wolsong/sub/greet/html>; Ministry of Science and Technology, <http://www.most.go.kr/index_e.html>.
4 August 1993
South Korean Prime Minister Hwang In Sŏng proposes to his North Korean counterpart that the two countries resume meetings of the Joint Nuclear Control Commission, which was tasked with setting up an inter-Korean bilateral nuclear inspection regime. Hwang proposed the meeting be held on 10 August at the truce village of Panmunjom.
—"S Korea Proposes Resumption of Inter-Korean Nuclear Talks," Agence France Presse, 4 August 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
4 August 1993
South Korean Unification Minister Han Wan Sang says that South Korean will not assist North Korea in acquiring light water nuclear reactors until the suspicions about its nuclear activities are resolved.
—South Korean News Agency (sic), 4 August 1993, in "South 'Would Help' North with New Reactor if Nuclear Issue Resolved," BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, 5 August 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
8 August 1993
The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) begins installing the Korean Multi-Purpose Research Reactor (KMRR).
—MOTIE 1995 Nuclear White Paper, August 1995, pp. 177-323, in "ROK 1995 Nuclear Energy White Paper Part 2 of 2," FBIS Document ID: FTS19950801000965; The Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, "Kungnaeyŏn'guyong Wŏnjaryŏ Yŏnhyŏk," <http://hanaro.kaeri.re.kr:8080/intro/2-2.htm>.
9 August 1993
North Korea rebuffs South Korea's proposed resumption of the Joint Nuclear Control Commission (JNCC) talks. Citing the joint US-South Korean Team Spirit military exercise as the obstacle to resuming the JNCC talks, a Pyongyang spokesman says, "If the South side has the intention to resolve the nuclear problem through dialogue with us, it must discontinue nuclear war exercises incompatible with this."
—"N Korea Scuttles Plan to Resume Inter-Korean Nuclear Talks," Agence France Presse, 9 August 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
11 September 1993
In his meeting with South Korean President Kim Young Sam, the US Assistant Secretary of State for Politico-Military Affairs Robert Gallucci says that the United States will continue its efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear development program and maintain close contact with Seoul over Pyongyang's nuclear development. Kim expresses regret that North Korea "has not shown sincerity" in negotiations with the International Atomic Energy Agency and is avoiding making a response to Seoul's proposals for inter-Korean dialogue. During the meeting, the United States and South Korea confirm that both nations have the same goals and strategies to deal with Pyongyang's nuclear issue.
—"Gallucci Meets Kim, Pledges Further Pressure on North," Japan Economic Newswire, 11 September 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Kim Ch'ang Ki, "'Hanmi Taebukhaekchŏllyak Ilch'i'/Kim Tae't'ongnyŏng, Gallucci Manna Mi Taech'ŏbang'an Tŭrŏ," Chosun Ilbo, 12 September 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
17 September 1993
South Korea's Ministry of Trade and Industry announces that the country has scheduled to build an additional 14 nuclear power plants by 2006. [Note: In 1998, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs became the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Ministry of Trade and Industry changed its name to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy.]
—"Palchŏnso 75 Ki Saero Kŏnsŏl/Sangongbu 2006 Nyŏn Kkaji," Donga Ilbo, 18 September 1993, p. 11, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
27 September 1993
At the 37th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) annual meeting, South Korea's Science and Technology Minister Kim Shi Chung proposes to form both an international regime and a regional regime to control nuclear material.
—Mo T'ae Chun, "Haekmulchil Kukchegondonggwalli Chean" Chosun Ilbo, 28 September 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Tongbug'a Wŏnjaryŏg'anjŏn Hyŏbŭich'e/Chŏngbu, IAEA Wŏ Chean Pangch'im," Hankyoreh Shinmun, 25 September 1993, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
Late 1993
A subsidiary of ALCATEL-ALSTHOM, a French engineering group, is awarded a contract by South Korea to supply electric safety systems for the Wŏlsŏng nuclear power plant.
—"CEGELEC (ALCATEL-ALSTHOM) in South Korean Contract," European Report, 22 September 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "CEGELEC(ALCATEL-ALSTHOM) in South Korean Contract," Monthly Report on EuropeNewsletter, 21 October 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
Late 1993
The Korea Electric Power Corporation awards a contract to Conax Buffalo Corporation, a subsidiary of the International Engineering Group (IMI), to supply equipment for two nuclear power plants in Uljin.
—"IMI Unit Wins 6 Mln Dlr Contract with Korean Nuclear Plants," Extel Examiner, 9 November 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
12 October 1993
At a National Assembly hearing, Im Yong Kyu, President of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS), announces that the institute will establish three more radioactivity monitoring instruments this year. The instruments are to be established in Paengnyŏng Island, Kangnŭng, and Ullŭng Island, which are relatively close to the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), in order to monitor nuclear-related accidents in North Korea. KINS currently operates eight radioactivity monitoring centers in South Korea.
—"Pukhan Pangsa'nŭng Ch'ŭkchŏngso 3 Kot Sŏlch'i/Wŏnjaryŏg'anjŏn'gisulwŏn Kukkamdappyŏn," Taehan Maeil, 13 October 1993, p. 3, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
14 October 1993
In response to a magazine report on Seoul's nuclear weapons development under the Park Chung Hee government, South Korea's Ministry of Defense announces "the South Korean government has neither intended to develop nuclear weapons since the Third Republic nor possessed related facilities and materials since the third republic." [Note: The Third Republic refers to former President Park Chung Hee's reign between 1962 and 1972.]
—"'Haekkaebal Shidohanjŏk Ŏptta/Yŏn'gushisŏl, Charyo Poyuanhae'/Kukpangbu," Taehan Maeil, 15 October 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
16 October 1993
The Kori-3 nuclear reactor is temporarily shut down due to lowered water levels in the steam generator, which caused the turbine in the reactor to stop revolving.
—"Kori Wŏnjŏn 3 Hogi Chŏngji/Pangsasŏn'gwanŭn Mugwan," Donga Ilbo, 17 October 1993, p. 7, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
27 October 1993
South Korean Foreign Minister Han Sŭng Ju denies reports that South Korea and the United States are considering canceling Team Spirit military exercises. Han says, "There is no decision on it, there is no discussion at the moment between the Republic of Korea and the United States." South Korea and the United States are expected to make a decision concerning the joint military exercise in the 25th annual US-South Korean Security Consultative Meeting scheduled for 3-4 November.
—"S. Korea Denies Plan to Cancel 'Team Spirit' Exercise," Japan Economic Newswire, 27 October 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Team Spirit Maneuvers to Stay: S. Korean FM," Agence France Presse, 27 October 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
1 November 1993
South Korean President Kim Young Sam announces that South Korea will neither possess nuclear weapons nor plan to facilitate nuclear weapons development. In response to the Norwegian Foreign Minister Jogen Holst's question on Seoul's nuclear policy, President Kim stresses that there is no change in South Korea's non-nuclear policy and the country will continue only the development of peaceful nuclear energy. —"Hanbando Pihaekhwa Pulpyŏn/P'yŏnghwaiyong Yŏn'gu Kyesok/Kim Tae't'ongnyŏng," Donga Ilbo, 2 November 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "Pihaekhwajŏngch'aek Pulbyŏn/Pukmi Wŏlnae Kowihoedam Andoeldŭt," Kukmin Ilbo, 2 November 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
The 15th ROK-US military Committee Meeting (MCM) and the 25th ROK-US Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) are held in Seoul. At the MCM, both sides agree to transfer the peacetime Operational Control Authority (OCA) from the commander of the US-Korea Combined Forces Command (CFC) to the South Korean side on 1 December 1994. At the SCM, both countries reaffirm that the second phase drawdown of US troops in South Korea will be postponed until uncertainties surrounding North Korea's nuclear development program are thoroughly resolved. [Note: MCM and SCM are annual meetings, which started in 1978 and 1968, respectively.] —"Hanbando P'yŏngshijakjŏkkwŏn Nanyŏn 12 Wŏl Han'gukhwansu/Hanmi Kunsawisŏ Iyang'e Habŭi," Hankook Ilbo, 4 November 1993, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "OCA to Be Transferred to South Korean Side," Xinhua News Agency, 3 November 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "'T'im Hullyŏn Chungdan' Kyŏlchŏng Yubo/Hanmigukpang Habŭi," Kukmin Ilbo, 4 November 1993, p. 1, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>; "25 Ch'a Han, Mi Anbohyŏp Kongdongsŏngmyŏng (Yoji),"Donga Ilbo, 5 November 1993, p. 2, in KINDS, <http://www.kinds.or.kr>.
12 November 1993South Korea rejects North Korea's proposed "package deal" claiming that "what is important at this stage is to obtain a promise from North Korea that it will receive inspections." According to South Korean officials, North Korea must allow International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of its nuclear facilities and reopen dialogue with Seoul before the United States makes any concessions. —"Seoul Rejects Pyongyang's "Package Deal" for Settling Nuclear Row," Agence France Presse, 12 November 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "Seoul Says Any Concessions Should Come Only After North Oks Inspections," Associated Press, 13 November 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
23 November 1993US President Bill Clinton meets with South Korean President Kim Young Sam to discuss Clinton's "new approach" to deal with North Korea's nuclear program. After the meeting, Clinton states that if Pyongyang meets its demands, "the door will be open on a wide range of issues." At the request of President Kim, Clinton does not publicly announce the details of his proposed new approach. According to reports, the United States is prepared to call off the Team Spirit joint military exercise if North Korea allows IAEA inspections of its nuclear facilities. —"U.S. Offers North Korea Swap for Nuclear Inspections," United Press International, 22 November 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Robert Burns, "Clinton Says U.S. Ready to Resolve Differences with North Korea," Associated Press, 23 November 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
13 December 1993The Atomic Energy of Canada, Limited (AECL) announces that it has won a $270 million contract to supply heavy water for South Korea's nuclear power plants in Wŏlsŏng, North Kyŏngsang Province. —Pamela Newman, "AECL Snares Korean Heavy Water Contract," The Energy Daily, 14 December 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; "KEPCO in Record Canadian Heavy Water Deal," Power Asia, 20 December 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
21 December 1993
The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) signs a two-year contract with China's Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant to provide technical support and maintenance. In addition, the Uljin-1 nuclear power reactor and China's Guangdong plant conclude an agreement for technical cooperation.
—Margaret L. Ryan, "Korean Nuclear Industry Takes First Steps Into Export Market," Nucleonics Week, 2 June 1994, p. 1, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>; Korean Electric Power Corporation, "Chŏllyŏksaŏp 100 Nyŏnsa," 27 April 2001, <http://www.kepco.co.kr/kepco_plaza/f/f2/html/
f2_01_01_07_01.html>.
Late 1993
South Korea joins the following three International Energy Agency cooperative research and information agreements: Energy Technology Data Exchange, Centre for the Analysis and Dissemination of Demonstrated Energy Technologies, and the Greenhouse Gas Technology Information Exchange.
—"Korea Joins IEA Work Groups," Power Asia, 20 December 1993, in Lexis-Nexis, <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.
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Updated September 2004 |
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