Government "Discussing Participation in IAEA Inspection Team Regarding Japan's Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water Discharge"

Koo Yoon-chul, Minister for Government Policy Coordination, is presiding over a vice ministerial meeting related to the release of nuclear power plant contaminated water held at the Government Complex Seoul on the morning of the 16th. April 16, 2021 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] The government discussed participation in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) international investigation team regarding Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

On the morning of the 16th, Koo Yoon-chul, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, held the "Vice Ministers' Meeting on Response to Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Contaminated Water Discharge" at the Government Complex Seoul to discuss this matter, the Office for Government Policy Coordination announced. Nine ministries participated in the meeting, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Office for Government Policy Coordination.

The Office for Government Policy Coordination explained, "The meeting was held to review the response status of related ministries following the Japanese government's decision on the marine discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant on the 13th and to discuss more effective countermeasures."

At the meeting, participants shared domestic and international trends including those of the United States, China, Russia, and Japan in response to Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water into the ocean. They also reviewed ▲radiation inspection of seafood and strengthening of origin control ▲domestic marine radiation monitoring system ▲status of advancement of marine dispersion models. In particular, filing a case with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and participation in the IAEA international investigation team were also discussed.

Koo Yoon-chul, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, stated, "The government will review all possible measures to protect the lives and safety of our citizens from the decision to discharge contaminated water from Fukushima," and urged officials from related ministries to "fully communicate the government's position and response status regarding Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant to the National Assembly, civic groups, fishing organizations, as well as the public."