The Chaebol Returns To The Presidency 1967 [EN]: Chapter 53

53. Code 890, Joining Hands with France

During Chairman Wang’s tenure, South Korea possessed 24 nuclear reactors. However, only Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant units 1 through 4 were CANDU [Canadian Deuterium Uranium] reactors; the remainder were light water reactors.

CANDU reactors produce high-level waste containing plutonium and tritium, materials suitable for nuclear weapons. Light water reactors, on the other hand, produce low-level waste, making it impossible to extract weapons-grade materials.

The Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant had produced approximately 8,000 tons of nuclear fuel. With a 70% recovery rate, this was enough to produce plutonium for over 500,000 atomic bombs similar to the one dropped on Nagasaki during World War II.

Plutonium and tritium are crucial for manufacturing hydrogen bombs and are expensive materials produced by only three countries: the United States, Canada, and South Korea.

The decision to use CANDU reactors reflected a consideration for a potential nuclear-armed future.

The President inquired,

“But U.S. surveillance is so thorough. Even if we develop them secretly, wouldn’t we be forced to abandon the program under pressure from the established nuclear powers?”

Chairman Jeong halted.

“You understand the core issue. I initially believed that developing nuclear weapons would solve everything. However, gaining recognition from the permanent members of the UN Security Council—the nuclear powers—proved even more challenging.”

“What threats did the U.S. make when they discovered the nuclear weapons development program in 1974?”

“Ah… don’t even remind me. They warned, ‘If you use nuclear weapons on Pyongyang, 20,000 to 30,000 people will die. But if the Soviet Union retaliates with a nuclear strike on Seoul, 3 million will perish.'”

“The Soviet Union’s nuclear retaliation…”

“We argued that it was a self-defensive measure to compensate for the withdrawal of three-quarters of U.S. troops from South Korea due to the Nixon Doctrine [a foreign policy initiative by President Nixon]. However, they threatened to terminate the ROK-US Mutual Defense Treaty, completely withdraw U.S. troops, cut off all trade with allies, and halt oil imports and nuclear fuel supplies.”

“Hmm, even stopping oil imports.”

“We couldn’t simply possess nuclear weapons while our factories were shut down, leaving us idle. Ultimately, in exchange for abandoning nuclear weapons development, we secured a nuclear umbrella similar to NATO, the establishment of the ROK-US Combined Forces Command, Team Spirit exercises [joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea], and nuclear technology support. We then declared a halt to the program.”

“But you mentioned proceeding secretly, correct?”

“Yes. The pressure was so intense that we altered our strategy. You never know how the U.S. might change with a new president. Nuclear weapons are the only way to deter not only North Korea but also a rising China with its billion-plus population.”

During Chairman Wang’s era, as China experienced rapid growth, they began to view Korea as merely the Northeast 4 Provinces of China, exerting control over its politics and economy.

Korea found itself in a precarious position, constantly having to navigate the complex relationship between the U.S. and China.

“Surrounded by China, Russia, North Korea, and Japan, I also recognize the necessity of nuclear weapons for Korea’s survival. Entrusting our security to other nations risks repeating the tragic history of the Joseon Dynasty [the last Korean dynasty] paying tribute to the Ming Dynasty [the ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644] for diplomacy and security, only to be repeatedly ravaged by Japan and the Qing Dynasty [the last imperial dynasty of China].”

“Exactly. The nuclear weapons were nearly complete, and we negotiated with Jimmy Carter to obtain tacit approval from the U.S., modeling our approach after Israel’s nuclear ambiguity. Unfortunately, it failed. The influence of the Jewish community, which controls American capital, far outweighs that of South Korea on the international stage.”

“That’s right. Frankly, they’re willing to sacrifice us for the sake of communism if we don’t align with Western interests. After all, the state is an inherently selfish entity.”

“Haha, you understand the nature of the state perfectly. A powerful state becomes a war hero even if it massacres weaker states. There’s no more cruel and ruthless dog-eat-dog world than this. Has Your Excellency found a way to avoid U.S. scrutiny?”

“I’m considering it.”

“I have no doubt you’ll find an ingenious solution.”

“We will continue development, carefully preparing for ratification while monitoring future international affairs and dynamics.”

In 1974, the U.S. was highly sensitive to nuclear proliferation following India’s nuclear test.

Now, in ’68, international nuclear surveillance was more relaxed. There was a greater chance of success.

Chairman Jeong provided essential information for nuclear development.

“Meet Dr. Joo Jae-yang in the United States. Recruit overseas nuclear researchers through him to form a team. Of course, publicly, justify it as part of nuclear power plant operations.”

“Joo Jae-yang!”

The President wrote the name in his notebook.

Chairman Jeong added,

“Cooperate with France on technology.”

“Is France different from the U.S.?”

“Unlike other nuclear exporting countries, France is willing to provide nuclear development technology to third-world countries with nuclear ambitions, such as Pakistan and Iraq. They were open about it until India’s nuclear test in ’74. We must seize this opportunity.”

“I should go to France.”

“Yes. Ah, and send Dr. Seo Kyung-soo to Canada to secure nuclear fuel localization technology in advance.”

“Nuclear fuel technology, you said Dr. Seo Kyung-soo?”

“During the construction of Wolsong Nuclear Power Plant, Wolsong Unit 1 was built by Westinghouse in the U.S., but it’s merely an empty shell without the nuclear fuel. If we import processed nuclear fuel from the U.S. or Canada, we’ll never escape the control of powerful nations. The U.S. is aware of this and still allowed the construction of the nuclear power plant.”

“Ah, so they didn’t oppose the construction of the nuclear power plant!”

“That’s right. Therefore, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr. Seo Kyung-soo, who was urgently dispatched to Canada, we succeeded in securing the technology to localize nuclear fuel for CANDU reactors.”

The President responded,

“I understand. I’ll urgently dispatch Dr. Seo to Canada. I’ll secure it before Wolsong Unit 1 becomes operational.”

“You must. However, Your Excellency’s decision to abandon the three-term constitutional amendment [referring to amending the constitution to allow the president to serve more than two terms] is a significant variable. It’s impossible to complete the Baekgom (medium-range missile) and nuclear weapons programs by ’71.”

“Hmm, there’s no alternative for general nuclear power plants, so we must proceed with construction to make it irreversible, regardless of who becomes president. Nuclear weapons development will have to depend on the will of the current regime.”

“That’s correct.”

“Chairman Jeong, we’ll be selecting the nuclear power plant construction company soon, so prepare for the bidding.”

“Understood.”

Tututututu~

The helicopter ascended powerfully.

In this manner, nuclear power plant construction commenced at least 7 years earlier than it did during Chairman Wang’s era.

* * *

The Presidential Residence.

The President was secretly meeting with three individuals: Choi Hyung-seop (Minister of Science and Technology, head of nuclear development), Joo Jae-yang (Deputy Director of the Nuclear Research Institute, head of practical affairs), and Kim Cheol (head of the reprocessing project).

The President declared,

“Ostensibly, all nuclear-related activities are for nuclear power generation. Code 890 is a top-secret project known only to the four of us, including myself.”

“Yes, Your Excellency!”

“Neither the Secretariat nor the Central Intelligence Agency is aware. Be especially cautious of our diplomats. They often boast about sensitive information.”

Even during President Park’s administration, the U.S. ambassador divulged information to a U.S. official, causing problems.

“To maintain security, all communication reports are prohibited; only personal delivery is permitted.”

“Yes!”

“We will divide into 12 teams, focusing on areas such as warhead structure, high-explosive manufacturing, and computer code, and conduct research separately. Each team must be kept completely isolated, unaware of how their research will ultimately be applied.”

“I understand, Your Excellency!”

“The budget will be allocated and supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Defense Science Research Institute, the Nuclear Research Institute, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Hyunse Construction, among others. Minister, please coordinate to prevent disruptions due to funding issues.”

“I will keep that in mind, Your Excellency!”

“Now, let’s all work diligently.”

* * *

Paris, France.

The Eiffel Tower stood majestically in the heart of Paris.

The Eiffel Tower symbolized the arrival of the 20th-century steel age.

Previously, steel frames couldn’t withstand such heights.

The development of steel soon extended to weaponry.

More advanced, powerful, and precise tanks, airplanes, warships, bombs, and other weapons of mass destruction were developed, leading to the tragedies of World War I and II.

Just as dynamite was diverted from construction to weapons, it also amplified the darker aspects of humanity.

History has demonstrated that a nation must possess weapons incorporating contemporary science and technology to join the ranks of powerful countries.

President Park held a private summit with the French President.

President Park stated,

“‘Can the United States sacrifice New York for Paris?’ This famous quote has become my guiding principle for independent national defense.”

“Hahaha, you remember it well. If only the U.S. and the Soviet Union possess nuclear weapons, the global community will be forced to submit to their dominance. Multilateral checks and balances can prevent a global catastrophe.”

“Korea is also constructing nuclear power plants. France’s reprocessing technology is essential for our program.”

“I understand. I will instruct the CEA (French Atomic Energy Commission) and the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute to establish close working relationships.”

“Thank you, Your Excellency!”

As a follow-up, Minister Choi received confirmation from French Minister of Industrial and Technological Development François Ortoli that reprocessing technology would be provided.

Saint-Gobain, a service company under CEA, was selected as a partner for reprocessing facilities, and Cerka was chosen as a partner for nuclear fuel processing facilities, initiating working contacts.

However, difficulties arose when discussing specific technology transfer details.

To establish reprocessing facilities, conceptual design, basic design, and detailed design were required. From the conceptual design stage, which determined fundamental aspects such as the type of nuclear raw materials and the specifications of various products, significant differences in positions emerged.

In particular, a major disagreement arose regarding the purity of plutonium impurities. However, thanks to the persistent negotiations of the Korean engineers, they secured a loan agreement of $46 million with Saint-Gobain and $2.6 million with Cerka, successfully concluding the ‘Reprocessing Research Facility Supply and Technology Service Facility Introduction Contract’ and the ‘Nuclear Fuel Forming Processing Test Facility Introduction Contract’.

Meanwhile, Dr. Joo, carrying a letter with the President’s special instructions, visited the United States and Canada for 50 days to recruit overseas nuclear scientists.

Dr. Joo was an internationally recognized expert in nuclear fuel, holding master’s and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from MIT [Massachusetts Institute of Technology].

Dr. Joo delivered the President’s personal letter to Dr. Seo, whom he met with difficulty.

– Return to your home country and dedicate your research to the nation.

Dr. Joo explained,

“Permanent returnees will receive return airfare and housing for their families, while temporary returnees will receive round-trip airfare and accommodation expenses. Salaries will be 30% higher than those at the top private universities.”

“…….”

In this way, they successfully recruited approximately 10 promising overseas scientists, including Dr. Han Pil-soon, Dr. Jang In-soon, Dr. Seo Kyung-soo, and Dr. Kim Byung-gu.

A total of about 200 people (half of whom were scientists) immediately commenced research.

Because France was the country providing technical cooperation, the scholars learned French and reduced their sleep to master the technology.

* * *

After completing the feasibility review of the construction, operational experience, and economic viability of the CANDU nuclear power plant, a pressurized heavy water reactor in Canada, Canadian Nuclear Corporation and KEPCO [Korea Electric Power Corporation] were selected as joint contractors.

Under the turnkey contract method, Canadian Nuclear Corporation was responsible for all aspects of the project, including design, equipment, construction, and test operation. Turbine generators were supplied by Parsons in the UK and Canada.

In Korea, Hyunse Construction participated as a construction company and provided construction funds on a deferred payment basis.

Chairman Jeong immediately initiated nuclear power plant civil engineering work.

The production and procurement of plutonium was Chairman Jeong’s responsibility.