On December 25, the South Korean Nuclear Energy Safety Committee revealed that a joint investigation team of civilian officials uncovered forged test certificates used in nuclear power plants during an audit of quality inspection documents. This time, 74 parts across six categories were found to be falsified, and these components were supplied to Units 5 and 6 of the Lingguang Nuclear Power Station. Among them, 40 rubber gaskets—used to seal the seawater shut-off valve in the cooling water heat exchanger—had already been installed in the facility. The safety committee warned that if these gaskets failed, it could lead to a nuclear radiation leak.
The report, released on December 19, indicated that a total of 694 parts across 12 categories had been supplied with fake test certifications for Units 5 and 6. Earlier, on November 5, similar issues were discovered at the same units, where counterfeit quality inspection documents were found to have been used. As a result, both units were taken offline and are currently undergoing part replacements. The safety committee emphasized that the civil servants’ joint investigation team will be involved in the replacement process and conduct a thorough review of the safety measures related to the work.
This incident has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the supply chain and the reliability of quality control in nuclear facilities. Authorities are now under pressure to ensure that all components meet strict safety standards to prevent any potential accidents. The situation highlights the importance of continuous oversight and transparency in nuclear operations.
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