Abstract of the talk

This seminar will first examine how Korea’s nuclear industry has evolved over the years and established a strong basis for reliable nuclear export delivery. It will briefly review Korea’s experience with the Barakah project, as well as the ongoing Czech project. The seminar will then discuss the future direction of Korea’s nuclear industry, with particular attention to the growing strategic emphasis on small modular reactors. It will address why SMRs are being actively developed, and what challenges must be overcome for successful deployment. The talk will conclude with sharing perspectives on how newcomer countries can build capacity to adopt SMRs.

About the speaker

Prof Jeong Ik Lee is an Endowed Chair Professor in the Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering at KAIST. He received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Nuclear Science and Engineering from MIT and his B.S. in Nuclear Engineering from Seoul National University. His research focuses on advanced nuclear reactor systems, power cycles, energy storage, and data-driven methods for nuclear safety and control. He has held visiting scholar positions at MIT and the University of Cambridge. In Korea, Prof. Lee plays an active role in national nuclear energy policy, serving as Chair of the Breakthrough Innovation and Growth Subcommittee for the 7th Comprehensive Plan for the Promotion of Nuclear Energy under the Office of the Prime Minister. He also serves on the Editorial Board of Nuclear Engineering and Design and as a member of the Executive Committee of the American Nuclear Society Thermal Hydraulics Division.