S. Korean nuclear reactor shuts off automatically

South Korea's Wolsong 1 reactor was shut down automatically due to the malfunction of a system that controls power output.

The shut down occurred after warning signals were made from the reactor protection system.

An investigation is currently underway to confirm the exact cause of the malfunctioning of the power supply device.

There is no danger, however, of a radiation leak from the reactor, according to an official from the state-run Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. The operation of the reactor will resume after the ongoing investigation finds the exact problem and the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission approves its resumption, the official said.

The stoppage of the nuclear reactor comes as concerns are rising over a possible power supply shortage this week. Korea currently operates 23 nuclear reactors, which supply about 30 percent of its total electricity consumption.

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