• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.111-118
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• 2022

The denuclearization of North Korea was unpredictable and resulted in radical changes. Despite the skepticism and disappointment surrounding denuclearization, it is important for certain verification technologies to establish what is technically possible or practically impossible, and how reliable these technical means are. This article presents the technical hurdles in nuclear verification by systematically categorizing them into issues of correctness and completeness. Moreover, it addresses the safety and security risks during the denuclearization process, including the radiological impact on humans, environmental effects, and the illegal transfer of material, information, and technologies.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.479-489
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• 2021

The Republic of Korea is expected to participate in the denuclearization verification activities by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in case any neighboring countries declared denuclearization. In this study, samples for the verification of nuclear activities in undeclared areas were selected for the denuclearization of neighboring countries, and the appropriateness of the procedures was considered. If a country with nuclear weapons declares denuclearization, it must be accompanied by the IAEA's verification regarding nuclear materials and weapons in the declared and undeclared areas. The analysis of the process samples or on-site environmental samples and the verification of undeclared nuclear facilities and materials aid in uncovering any evidence of concealment of nuclear activity in undeclared areas. Therefore, a methodology was established for effective sampling and analysis in accordance with proper procedures. Preparations for sampling in undeclared areas were undertaken for various potential scenarios, such as, the establishment of zones according to radiation dose, methods of supplying electricity, wireless communication networks, targets of sampling according to characteristics of nuclides, manned sampling method, and unmanned sampling method. Through this, procedures were established for pre- and post-site settings in preparation for hazards and limiting factors at nuclear inspection sites.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.71-77
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• 2023

The issue of North Korea's denuclearization is an global issue that transcends the North and South. It is necessary to prepare for the denuclearization process in preparation for the situation in which North Korea reveals its intention to denuclearize. In the process of North Korea's denuclearization, it is required to guarantee the normal operation of the denuclearization verification equipment. If a performance test criteria that takes into account the North Korean environment is established, it is highly likely that it will be used in the future denuclearization process. For this purpose, basic materials related to performance test standards were established through analysis of test standards such as international standards. After that, we established a performance test criteria. This includes high temperature, low temperature, humidity, vibration and shock tests. Through follow-up studies, validity of test criteria will be established through actual device testing.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.833-839
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• 2021

The Possibility of Denuclearization Verification of Korean peninsula is mentioned. Considering the geographical and linguistic advantages, it is necessary to show willingness to participate in the denuclearization verification. In this study, investigation about nuclear facilities, characteristic of facilities, core resource, operation history, geographic/weather environment were performed. Transport route accessibility analysis and risk analysis for development of transport scenario were performed. Accessibility analysis was classified into airport, port, and vehicle transport. Distance by route, estimated time required, and transit roads were analyzed. In this process, it was possible to confirm the suitability of the vehicle transport scenario. Through follow-up studies, we intend to develop an optimal transport scenario.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.1189-1195
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• 2023

In scenarios involving inspections and verifications of nuclear facilities, ensuring the proper functioning of on-site safeguards equipment is crucial. There have been precedents in Kazakhstan where equipment failed to operate properly due to extremly cold temperatures, and the year-round minimum temperature at North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear test site is approximately minus 30 degrees Celsius. To ensure the proper functioning of equipment in extreme environments for on-site verification of nuclear activities on the Korean Peninsula, relevant research is necessary. This includes confirming the functionality of equipment used in inspections and verifications, as well as analyzing factors that may disrupt their normal operation. This study aims to conduct a risk analysis for the normal operation of equipment in extreme environments and develop criteria and procedures for environmental-based performance testing. To achieve this, we conducted a risk analysis based on IAEA safeguards, analyzed the utilization of equipment, and performed a risk analysis associated with transportation for on-site verification considering the environmental characteristics of the Korean Peninsula. Furthermore, we provided performance testing criteria and procedures. The research results can be utilized as reference material in the verification and monitoring processes of nuclear activities.