A presidential commission on nuclear power safety officially has been launched to serve as a regulatory body on nuclear safety concerns.

On Wednesday President Lee Myung-bak appointed the members of the Presidential Nuclear Safety and Security Commission and its first chairman, Kang Chang-sun.

President of the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety Yun Choul-ho was selected to serve as the commission's vice chairman, and seven experts from various fields including law, science and technology and public safety were appointed as non-permanent commission members.

During the event Lee said the commission—based on independence, expertise and transparency—will lead efforts to strengthen a global system on nuclear safety.

The commission, directly under the command of the presidential office, will oversee government affairs related to nuclear power including areas of nuclear security and nonproliferation.

Lee said in spite of the radiation leakage in Japan, this is a time to seek ways and policies to use nuclear energy with greater safety. He called for the commission to make sure domestic nuclear power plants are safe and that the plant's global competitiveness is enhanced.