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Kang Ki-sik, Director of the Nuclear Education Cooperation Center between KINGS and the University of Warsaw, Poland

“Nuclear Power Export is a 100-Year Promise… A Fruit Born of Accumulated Trust”

20 Years of Experience with the IAEA: Speaking on the Essence of Nuclear Power Export

“Nuclear power export is not a contract, but a relationship — We must be prepared to walk together for 100 years”

A former student of KINGS, now Deputy Chief of Egypt’s El-Dabaa NPP project: “Nuclear power export is more about people than technology”

A Korean Engineer Who Left a Deep Mark on International Nuclear Policy with 20 Years at the IAEA

There is a Korean engineer who has made a significant impact on international nuclear policy through 20 years of service at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

His journey, which began on the unfamiliar streets of Vienna, Austria, in 2000, has become a living history of Korea’s nuclear diplomacy today.

From nuclear power plant life extension, to the transition to digital control systems, and the introduction of new reactors—there has hardly been a turning point in global nuclear policy that did not bear his influence.

Kang Ki-sik, Director of the Nuclear Education Cooperation Center between KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) and the University of Warsaw in Poland, says that nuclear power exports are not simply about exporting plant technology, but a promise between nations to walk together for the next 100 years.

To him, nuclear power is more than just technology. It is the fruit of patience linking people to people and nations to nations, built on a foundation of trust.

From Erlangen, Germany to Vienna, Austria... The First Steps of a Global Engineer

Director Kang’s journey began quietly from an unremarkable place.

After majoring in mechanical engineering at Pusan National University, he earned his Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from KAIST.

Following work at Hyundai Heavy Industries, he joined KEPCO E&C, and as a young engineer certified in both nuclear and mechanical engineering, he was entrusted with the important task of developing overseas nuclear power projects.

A turning point came in 1999, shortly after the Asian financial crisis.

At a time when the Korean economy was faltering, he secured a $1.5 million digital control system service contract through negotiations with Siemens headquarters in Germany.

“Right after the IMF crisis, Korea’s economy was on the brink. That contract was achieved during those tough times. It was a critical turning point for me.”

Despite a busy schedule, he rented a car on weekends in Erlangen, Germany, and drove to Vienna, Austria. There stood the IAEA headquarters. In those pre-GPS days, he only had a single A4-sized paper map to guide him. At first, it was pure curiosity.

But after a second visit, he made up his mind:

“Let me try to fulfill my dream here.”

That determination quickly turned into action. After receiving a recommendation from the Ministry of Science and Technology, and passing a rigorous screening and interview process, he was officially hired by the IAEA.

The standing of Korean engineers in an international organization that values professionalism and diversity was far from secure. But he opened the door—one that few could—by his own strength.

Changing the Flow of International Nuclear Policy from the Center

In the early 2000s, the global nuclear industry stood at a crossroads.

Should reactors that had reached the end of their design life be decommissioned, or should they be extended after thorough technical validation?

This was more than a technical question. It required policy decisions and social trust.

“Even the U.S. was struggling to decide on life extension of reactors. Total replacement of key components and strict regulatory hurdles were major challenges. But over time, many countries realized this—without utilizing operating reactors, neither energy security nor economic efficiency could be ensured.”

Director Kang was a key practitioner coordinating this challenge at the international level.

He directly participated in developing international standards for nuclear plant life management, led discussions on transitioning to digital instrumentation and control systems, and tackled sensitive technical and policy issues such as the resumption of new reactor projects.

He visited nearly 30 countries—Brazil, Argentina, Romania, Armenia, Russia, and more—collaborating with governments and nuclear operators, leaving a strong international impression of “Korean engineering.”

Nuclear Export is Completed Not by Technology, but by People

“Nuclear power is an industry that must last for 100 years. It’s not something that ends with a single contract. It’s a long-term promise between people, walking together from design to operation to decommissioning.”

The “time of trust” that Director Kang emphasizes is not an idealistic notion.

The El-Dabaa nuclear power plant in Egypt is a representative example.

The deputy manager responsible for building four reactors in this project is none other than his former student from KINGS.

“That student came to school not even knowing what nuclear power was. Now he plays a key role in the field in Egypt. Technology can be taught. But trust cannot be taught. What we’re doing is fostering that trust.”

The excellence of Korean nuclear technology is already recognized globally.

But Director Kang says:

“To make the international community truly believe in that excellence, something beyond technology is needed.”

Understanding of language and culture, diplomatic sense, and integrative thinking—all of these ultimately come from people.

Teaching that Respects Diversity and Connects the World

Working at the IAEA meant more than just a job for Director Kang. What he learned most was the attitude of accepting differences.

“People from 170 countries work together. Their working styles, ways of speaking, and attitudes are all different. For example, a Bulgarian might say ‘No’ with a blank face, but it could actually mean something positive. Understanding, respecting, and being considerate of those differences is what enables collaboration on the global stage.”

He worked more than 12 hours a day, from early morning to late at night, writing policy drafts, developing technical guidelines, and living each day to the fullest.

The welfare at the IAEA was undoubtedly excellent—medical support, children's education, and tax exemptions were all guaranteed. But the real reason he could stay longer and deeper than others was because he upheld promises between people, grounded in trust.

KINGS, the Strategic Base for Korea’s Nuclear Diplomacy

After completing his 20-year journey at the IAEA, Director Kang took on yet another challenge.

He knocked on the door of KINGS to pass on his accumulated experience and insights to the next generation.

“KINGS is a school where both nuclear-exporting and importing countries learn together.

Teaching only technology is not enough. We must help them understand each other’s perspectives to avoid future conflicts.”

He played a key role in bringing the IAEA’s “International Nuclear Management Academy (INMA)” program to KINGS.

INMA goes beyond technical education to offer comprehensive certification in nuclear business—including economics, policy, law, regulation, and safety culture.

Director Kang personally compiled dozens of English reports, meticulously prepared for IAEA evaluation visits, and convinced them of the school’s capabilities.

The result: the fastest certification acquisition in the world.

KINGS quickly established itself as an international education institution and emerged as a new hub for nuclear talent development.

“An Engineer Should Leave Behind Three Projects”

Director Kang summarizes his engineering journey in three major projects:

Localization of nuclear power technology

Successful nuclear power export to the UAE

Laying the groundwork for nuclear expansion in Europe, including the Czech Republic

“Because I accomplished these three, I can confidently say I’ve lived well as an engineer.”

But what he truly emphasizes is not numbers or achievements.

It is about paving the way for future generations, building an ecosystem for the entire Korean industry, and starting a “100-year trust” with the international community.

He continues to closely monitor nuclear bids in Europe—in countries like the Czech Republic, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

“This is a real opportunity. It’s our time to rise again.”

Technology Crosses Borders, Trust Crosses Centuries

The footsteps of one engineer that began on the streets of Vienna have now become an asset to Korea’s nuclear diplomacy.

“Getting into an international organization is not that difficult.

What really matters is becoming someone people want to work with.”

20 years of international diplomacy, cooperation with dozens of countries, and hundreds of students.

Director Kang Ki-sik still asks his students from the podium at KINGS:

“Are you ready to walk together for the next 100 years?”

 

KINGS Signs Internship Agreement with IAEA… Starts to Cultivate Global Talent to Lead Korean Nuclear Power Plant Exports

On May 19, 2024 (Monday), the KEPCO International Nuclear Graduate School (KINGS) signed an official agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria, regarding the operation of an internship program. Through this agreement, students from KINGS and trainees participating in KINGS-led human resources development programs will be able to gain hands-on experience in the international nuclear field by serving as interns at the IAEA. It is expected that this agreement will further accelerate KINGS's efforts to nurture key global talent to lead Korea’s nuclear power plant exports.

Based on the agreement, KINGS plans to dispatch interns to the IAEA annually starting in 2025. The agreement will remain valid for three years, with the possibility of extension. With this, KINGS has become the seventh institution worldwide—and the latest following those in the United States, Japan, China, and South Korea—to be officially registered as an IAEA internship agreement institution.

The signing ceremony was attended by key IAEA officials, including Ms. Margaret Doane, Deputy Director General for Management; Mr. Peter Frobel, Director of Human Resources; and Ms. Marie Monteith. Representing KINGS were Acting President Dr. Hak-kyu Lim; Professor Dr.Woo-yong Jung, Convergent and practical human resource development program specialized in nuclear power plant export; and Professor Dr.Ki-sig Kang from the Nuclear Cooperation Center. Also present was Ms. Chae-won Lee, Deputy Director from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, who is currently working at the IAEA and played a key role in facilitating the agreement. Ms. Lee stated, “This agreement is expected to serve as a continuous foundation for expanding the international organization experience of Korea’s nuclear workforce, and to support talent development for Korea’s nuclear export strategy in the future.”

KINGS and the IAEA have maintained an ongoing partnership since 2012 to cultivate nuclear professionals. Based on the mutual trust established through this collaboration, KINGS became the first institution in Korea, the second in Asia, and the ninth in the world to be awarded the International Nuclear Management Academy (INMA) designation by the IAEA in 2023. Additionally, KINGS has been designated and operates as a Regional Training and Research Center (RTGC) by the IAEA to strengthen interregional cooperation in the field of nuclear decommissioning.

KINGS plans to continue playing a key role in developing global talent that will lead Korea’s nuclear exports, building on its collaboration with the IAEA.

source : https://www.flickr.com/photos/iaea_imagebank/albums/72177720326216886

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