Prime Minister Kim Hwang-sik on Friday ordered a thorough investigation into a recent electricity cut at a nuclear power plant, saying its safety cannot be compromised.

The prime minister‘s remarks came days after the plant’s operator suspended operation of the Gori-1 reactor at the Gori Nuclear Power Plant in Busan, 450 kilometers south of Seoul. The reactor was found to have temporarily lost power during a safety inspection in early February, which was belatedly reported to a state safety commission on Monday.

The power cut did not lead to any accidents, but authorities have come under fire for their apparent complacent response.

“There must be a thorough investigation into the truth and causes of the power failure at the Gori Nuclear Power Plant, followed by a full explanation,” Kim said at a government meeting.

“The issue of safety is a key element in the operation of nuclear power plants, which cannot be compromised.”

He stressed that the relevant authorities should strictly adhere to regulations and manuals concerning the safety of the plant’s operation under all circumstances.

“Above all, I find it very regrettable that the (power cut) was not immediately reported,” he said, instructing the government to conduct an overall inspection of the management system of nuclear power plants.

The Gori-1 unit is one of five reactors at the nuclear power plant in Busan that went online in 1978. South Korea currently operates 21 reactors with seven others under construction. (Yonhap News)