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South Korea

South Korea Shuts Nuclear Reactors Over Dodgy Parts

THE KOREA HERALD (South Korea), BBC NEWS (UK)

Worldcrunch

SEOUL - South Korea has shut down two nuclear reactors after it was revealed that some parts used had not been properly vetted, reports BBC News.

Almost all the parts were used in a nuclear power complex in Yeonggwang, which is located some 330 kilometers southwest of Seoul.

Knowledge Economy Minister Hong Suk-woo warned it could lead to an "unprecedented" power shortage in the country. In South Korea, temperatures regularly drop well below freezing during winter.

According to the Korea Herald, Hong said eight part suppliers faked 60 warranties for 234 parts since 2003.

All together, they supplied 7,682 unqualified items worth 820 million won ($750,000) to the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., KHNP, the state-run operator of the nation’s 23 nuclear reactors.

However, Hong said the parts were "non-core" components and posed no safety threat.

The parts include fuses, cooling fans and power switches.

He also said prosecutors would investigate the suppliers as well as possible collusion by officials of the state-run KHNP.

South Korea's nuclear plants, which supply 35% of the country's electricity, have experienced a series of malfunctions over the past few months, adds BBC News.

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Society

In Nicaragua, A Tour Of Nightlife Under Dictatorship

Nicaraguan publication Divergentes takes a night tour of entertainment spots popular with locals in Managua, the country's capital, to see how dictatorship and emigration have affected nightlife.

In Nicaragua, A Tour Of Nightlife Under Dictatorship

The party goes on...

Divergentes

MANAGUA — Owners of bars, restaurants and nightclubs in the Nicaraguan capital have noticed a drop in business, although some traditional “nichos” — smaller and more hidden spots — and new trendy spots are full. Here, it's still possible to dance and listen to music, as long as it is not political.

There are hardly any official statistics to confirm whether the level of consumption and nightlife has decreased. The only reliable way to check is to go and look for ourselves, and ask business owners what they are seeing.

This article is not intended as a criticism of those who set aside the hustle and bustle and unwind in a bar or restaurant. It is rather a look at what nightlife is like under a dictatorship.

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