256 Kg of Heavy Water Leaked from Wolsong-2 Reactor; No Radiation Issue Reported

Gyeongju: A leakage of heavy water from a nuclear reactor in the southeastern region occurred Friday, with no issue related to radiation having been detected, nuclear safety officials said. The incident took place at the Wolsong-2 reactor in the southeastern city of Gyeongju, and was promptly reported by the state-run Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co. (KHNP) to the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission earlier in the day.According to Yonhap News Agency, nuclear safety officials have conducted an on-site investigation to determine the cause of the leak. They reported that no irregularities in external radiation levels have been detected, alleviating concerns about potential radiation hazards. The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission revealed that, as of noon, the estimated amount of heavy water that had leaked was 265 kilograms, but crucially, the water had not escaped outside the facility.The Wolsong-2 reactor, which has been shut down for a regular inspection, saw KHNP take immediate action to close r elated pumps as soon as the leak was detected. This swift response helped contain the situation and prevent any potential escalation. The investigation into the cause of the leak is ongoing, with officials committed to ensuring the continued safety and security of the nuclear facility.