The Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) has asked Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C), the construction company involved in the occurrence of defects such as air holes in the containment building of the Hanbit Units 3 and 4, to apologize to people, but Hyundai E&C is showing reservations.
On Oct. 11, Rep. Lee Yong-bin of the Democratic Party of Korea analyzed the National Audit data submitted by KHNP, and found that the KHNP sent official documents to Hyundai E&C four times from October 2018 to September this year and discussed sharing responsibility for the defect.
In its fourth official letter on Sept. 18, the KHNP renewed its proposal to jointly issue an apology to the region and the public for the poor operation of the Hanbit 3 and 4 reactors, or to push ahead with it respectively. In response, Hyundai E&C has been reserved for more time.
Critics point out that Hyundai E&C has been irresponsible in the process of investigating the cause, such as KHNP's follow-up measures and the air gap at Hanbit 3 and 4 reactors, by not providing related information on the grounds that the construction quality guarantee deadline has expired.
Hyundai E&C has established itself as a leading nuclear power company by winning orders for Hanbit 3 and 4 reactors, which are titled "Korean Standard Nuclear Power Plants."
Hyundai E&C has taken charge of a total of nine nuclear power plants in Korea since the construction of the Hanbit 3 and 4 reactors.
Critics point out that Hyundai E&C needs a responsible explanation as it is also participating in the Shinhanul 1, 2 projects currently under construction.
Rep. Lee pointed out, "In the process of evaluating structural integrity of the Hanbit Units 3 and 4, along with Hyundai E&C, which is in charge of construction, the institutions in charge of design, regulation and supervision at the time of construction cannot be free from responsibility for insolvency."
He added, "It is a national project that advocates localization of Korea's first nuclear power plant, but it has been pushed forward even if local residents have raised concerns over poor construction and safety since the construction."
Regarding this, an official of Hyundai E&C explained on Oct. 12, "We carried out the construction according to the design and specifications. The cause and responsibility have yet to be clearly known."
