2nd-oldest nuke reactor gets a new lease on life

South Korea's nuclear commission on Friday decided to extend the operations of the country's second-oldest nuclear reactor till 2022 despite growing concerns over safety.

The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission made the decision after 14 hours of debate. Seven members appointed by the government and the ruling party voted in favor of the extension. But two others, recommended by the main opposition party, boycotted the vote.

The 679-megawatt Wolsong-1 reactor, located on the country's southeast coast, completed its 30-year life span in 2012 when it was turned off. The decision will extend the life of the heavy-water reactor for 10 more years.