Majority of S. Koreans support nuclear phase-out policy: survey

SEOUL, Oct. 23 (Yonhap) -- A majority of South Koreans support phasing out nuclear energy, a survey showed Monday, just as President Moon Jae-in reiterated his commitment to shifting out of nuclear power into safer renewable energy.

The Realmeter survey, conducted on 501 adults on Friday, found that 60.5 percent back a nuclear phase-out policy while only 29.5 percent are against it. Ten percent said they are unsure about what's best. The poll had a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

Debate about nuclear energy flared anew as a state commission recommended Friday after months of deliberations that the government resume the construction of reactors Shin Kori 5 and Shin Kori 6, but seek to scale back nuclear power generation.

On Sunday, Moon said he would accept the recommendations and restart the reactors' construction as early as possible. But he also renewed his commitment to winding down nuclear power and increasing the use of renewable energy.

Scrapping the Shin Kori power plant project was one of Moon's campaign promises.

The proposal sparked heated debate in a country that relies on nuclear power plants for about a third of its electricity amid concerns it will lead to a shortage in power supply and a spike in electricity bills.

Moon has stressed that the government will gradually close reactors one by one when their lifespan is up, rather than rushing to shut them down early.

jschang@yna.co.kr
(END)