Workers Run to Increase Public Support for Nuclear Power

“We wanted to demonstrate the safety of our nuclear plant!”

Lim Ki-chul (52, Chief of Chemical Technology Section, 2nd Plant, Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant, Korean Hydro & Nuclear Power) finished half-marathon course in 1 hour and 50 minutes yesterday and remarked, “I ran with my son in a hope that the nuclear power keeps working through generations.”

His son, Lim Heon-seok (28, Measurement Control Section, 1st Plant), said, “I ran on behalf of the wish to build a nuclear power plant that is loved by the people.”

The 2007 Dong-A Ilbo Gyeongju International Marathon (co-hosted by Gyeongju City, Korea Athletic Federation, Dong-A Ilbo) was held yesterday. The participants started from Gyeongju Citizens’ Stadium, and ran along the city. Members from the Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant marathon club, ‘The Running Nukees,” ran in the marathon and were invigorated by a sense of duty that, “We need to show people how healthily we can run, to gain their trust in nuclear power.”

Seventy workers out of 1300 at the plant formed a marathon club in 1999 and first appeared in the 1999 Dong-A Marathon that fall in order to “bridge the gap between the nuclear power plant and the people.”

The club members trained along a 6-kilometer stretch of land around the plant, which commands a refreshing view of the East Sea. This year, the Dong-A Gyeongju Marathon was promoted to an international competition, and with the raising of standards, only the best 23 members participated.

The 23 runners participated in both the full and half-marathons, and all 23 finished the course.

Nukee is an abridged word derived from “nuclear keeper,” and most Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant workers are members. It was established in 2005 as a volunteer group. The members actively participated in preserving the old capital of Gyeongju’s cultural assets, cleaning the sea around the plant, and helping neighbors in need, rendering it one of Gyeongju’s representative volunteer groups.

Mr. Choi Gi-young (43, Chief of Safety Section, 2nd Plant) suggested, “Is not publicizing the nuclear plant’s healthiness to the people an important volunteer task as well?” adding, “We will keep running and running until people no longer have vague fears about nuclear power plants.”

Nam Jo-kyu (57, Police Officer, General Affairs Section) ran a sub-three (running the full course within three hours) and said, “The Gyeongju Dong-A Marathon has a pleasant atmosphere, and the competition is run smoothly, which is why I tend to perform better,” adding, “I have been living in the nuclear plant for over thirty years, but I am confident about my health.”

The ‘Running Nukees’ have been participating the event for nine years, and they promised to be better nuclear keepers in next year’s competition.

Wolsong Nuclear Plant Chief Tae Sung-Eun remarked, “With the vigorous self-fighting spirit of our marathon runners, we will continue to keep the power plant loved by the people,” and that “We will do our part to elevate the Gyeongju International Marathon to the highest level, which has contributed to elevating the old capital’s status and fame.”

boriam@donga.com