Tweet of the Day: Could a North Korean Chernobyl Happen?
Oleg Shcheka takes a look at the risks involved with the civilian side of the #DPRK nuclear program, and whether sacrificing safety for construction speed may lead to unintended disasterhttps://t.co/xJTPom5tGq
— 38 North (@38NorthNK) April 19, 2018
In April 1993, while sitting in the Nashville Club in Itaewon (back when it was in the basement, they still had a dj, and the Nashville Special required intestinal fortitude), I spoke with another American (whose business card I still have) who was helping the National Police install communication equipment on various towers on the hills north of Seoul.
He told me he explained that the Korean workers were told to go inside the little shed, find a place to mount the electronics, drill holes, and then run the cables.
They all agreed.
The first guy took the drill and immediately started trying to drill a hole from the outside in, without checking where the interior electronics might be. The American said he took away the drill, set it down, and started explaining again.
After about a minute, a second guy picked up the drill and started trying to complete what the first guy started. The American took away the drill, holding on to it this time, and tried explaining again, more passionately.
At this point, the American told me, the third guy picked up the American’s hammer and an expensive screwdriver (didn’t want to ruin their own, he guessed) and began trying to pound a hole in the shed.
No, sez I. There’s no chance of a Chernobyl in North Korea. 😀 😀 😀