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