The comprehensive inadequacy of the North Korea nuclear test detection equipment localization project conducted by the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS) has been revealed. In addition to failing to localize the equipment, a proper investigation into its own research ethics was not carried out.
On the 9th, the Nuclear Safety And Security Commission released an audit report on the 'Formation and Operational Status of the KINS Research Ethics Investigation Committee.'
KINS collaborated with the Korea Nuclear Safety Foundation to promote the localization of radioactive xenon (Xe) detection equipment. Radioactive xenon is emitted during the fission process of uranium or plutonium, and the project aimed to detect it in the atmosphere to confirm evidence of North Korea's nuclear tests.
From July 2013 to April 2018, KINS conducted the localization of the xenon detection equipment with a budget of 2.3 billion won. KINS also published a research achievement report claiming a 100% success rate in localizing the equipment.
However, through the 2023 audit by the Nuclear Safety And Security Commission, it was revealed that KINS's research achievement report was incorrect. Key technologies, such as xenon separation and extraction, were almost identical to foreign products. The commission has informed KINS to independently verify whether there was research misconduct.
KINS formed an investigation committee, but it was not properly operated. According to the audit report released this time, 2 of the 7 committee members appointed by KINS were stakeholders in the project. Nevertheless, KINS formed the committee solely based on a declaration of no conflicts of interest with those involved in the research misconduct.
The two problematic members were affiliated with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the Korea Radioactive Analysis Association, having jointly published research papers with individuals involved in research misconduct or participated together in external committees. The two also took charge of the technical content in the investigation committee report.
The investigation committee, which was initially ineffectively assembled, concluded that localization had been successful and that there was no misconduct based only on the claims of involved parties and the performance values from the research achievement report. In reality, the localization of the xenon detection equipment has virtually failed. The 'GEMS' xenon detection equipment developed through the project has been delayed in deployment to Ulleungdo due to concerns over technical disputes. Although an improved version was created, its performance has yet to be confirmed.
The Nuclear Safety And Security Commission notified KINS to discipline three administrative staff members who were negligent in confirming conflicts of interest, but it is reported that KINS did not comply and instead reduced the disciplinary actions.