Construction of Kijang Research Reactor(KJRR) starts

- Concrete pouring ceremony held in Gijang, Busan -

- Aims for full domestic production and export of medical & industrial isotopes -

Construction has officially begun on a new research reactor in Busan, set to improve national healthcare and welfare by providing treatments for incurable cancers.

On April 28th, Dr. Joo Han-Gyu, the President of Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (“KAERI”) held a ceremony commemorating the first concrete pouring for the construction of the Kijang Research Reactor(KJRR) at the radiation medical and scientific industrial complex in Gijang County, Busan. Nearly 150 attendees participated in the event, including representatives from construction companies (Daewoo Construction, Hyundai Construction, and GS Construction) and construction management teams.

The KJRR, a 15 MW (megawatt) research reactor, aims to achieve domestic production and export of essential medical and industrial radioactive isotopes, which currently rely on imports. The project ultimately seeks to export similar research reactors.

Radioactive isotopes are substances that emit radiation, and can be highly effective pharmaceuticals for diagnosing and treating diseases such as cancer when used appropriately. Molybdenum (Mo-99), a representative isotope used for cancer diagnosis, has prompted the need for domestic production due to global shortages and price increases caused by import dependence. 

The project plan includes domestically producing 100% of isotopes such as iodine (I-131 mIBG, I-125), used in treating rare childhood cancers and prostate cancer, and iridium (Ir-192), used in cancer diagnosis and industrial applications, capturing more than 15% of the global isotope market through exports. Furthermore, the core technologies secured during the reactor construction process, such as control rod drive mechanisms, are expected to contribute to securing a foothold in the overseas research reactor market in the future.

Meanwhile, KJRR obtained construction permits in May 2019, local construction permits in November 2020, began foundation excavation work in May 2022, and commenced construction of major structures in April 2023. The goal is to complete the construction by 2027.

President Joo Han-gyu stated, "While nuclear energy has led our country's economic growth thus far, we will now come closer to the people's health and lives through radiation and isotopes."