The dam was immediately seen as a threat by the South Korean government.

The Bukhan River is a tributary of the Han River, and war scenarios foresaw North Korea releasing flood waters that could engulf the South Korean capital of Seoul.

Though fears of a "water attack" have diminished, 2002 satellite photos of cracks in the North Korean dam caused fears it could collapse following heavy rains.

Since Imnam Dam was built, water inflow to the Han River has decreased by 12 percent.

This has caused environmental problems and water shortages in the Seoul metropolitan area.