South Korea's Lee Jae Myung pushes nuclear plant review and juvenile offender age debate

President Lee Jae Myung announced that South Korea will consider adding new nuclear power plants and small modular reactors to meet rising electricity demand from semiconductor complexes and AI data centers. Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Kim Sung‑whan said the decision will be included in the 12th Basic Plan for Electricity Supply and Demand after expert input and public debate, noting an estimated need for an additional 30 GW now and over 50 GW by 2040.

In a separate Cabinet meeting, Lee said the government should lower the age threshold for juvenile offenders exempt from criminal prosecution, citing public consultation results that favored a one‑year reduction from 14 to 13 for serious offenses. Lee remarked, "I do think the age should be lowered," while noting the proposal could expose younger offenders to harsher penalties, including up to 15 years in prison for serious crimes.