Frustrating story. Korean nuclear utilities are shutting down nuclear plants after they've operated for 40 years, because they did not manage to get extended licenses in time. Article link in reply. Part of it has to do with govt. policy. As of now, the govt. is (still!) only considering allowing the plants to operate for 10 more years: "The South Korean government is currently considering allowing reactors that have reached the end of their design lifespan to continue operating for an additional ten years, as permitted by the law." I'm guessing that much of the problem here is due to previous anti-nuclear President Moon, who had a nuclear phaseout policy. Not having even base levels of consistent govt. support can cause problems. Another frustrating statement by the nuclear utility itself: "We will prioritise the safety of our citizens and pursue continued operation through transparent and fair procedures. Through thorough safety reviews, safety equipment reinforcements, and state-of-the-art facility improvements, Kori unit 4 will become a safer and more efficient power plant." The most important thing they can do to maximize public safety is to NOT close nuclear plants and have their output be replaced by coal and gas generation, which is known to be ~1000 times as dangerous and harmful! Upgrades are not necessary. The plants were already more than safe enough (i.e., far safer than the alternatives). The above statement probably didn't even allay public fears. Instead, it (subtley) suggested that nuclear is potentially dangerous, and has not been safe enough.