Japan's Nuclear Wastewater Response: What Has Been Done... National Assembly Crossfire on Nuclear Safety Commission

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] On the 22nd, the National Assembly strongly criticized the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission for failing to properly respond to the Japanese government's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

At the plenary meeting of the National Assembly's Science, Technology, Information and Broadcasting Committee on the same day, the 'Joint Government Ministry TF' report was put under scrutiny. This report, prepared last October based on expert opinions, assessed that there would be 'no significant impact.'

Jeong Pil-mo, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, said, "The NSSC did not make an official announcement to the public clarifying what problems could arise, and when unofficial documents leak, the public inevitably becomes confused and anxious." Kim Sang-hee, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and also a Democratic Party member, criticized, "Since the contaminated water from the accident nuclear plant must be treated, hasn't the NSSC done nothing?"

In response, Eom Jae-sik, Chairman of the NSSC, explained, "It is true that we received opinions from experts," but added, "There are strong doubts about whether the discharge was carried out according to international principles, and various opinions are being presented."

Park Sung-joong, a member of the People Power Party, said, "It sounds like an excuse," and Hwang Bo-seung-hee from the same party questioned, "After listening extensively to expert opinions, if you say 'we cannot make a judgment,' then who on earth can the public trust?" Heo Eun-ha, also from the People Power Party, said, "Only after the report was made public did they reverse their stance, saying it differs from their position. If this is the case, wouldn't it be better if the NSSC were abolished?"

In response, Chairman Eom said at the meeting, "We are always considering the shortcomings, but we have been steadily responding through various channels by setting principled schedules." He added, "We will monitor the process and see if it is proceeding according to standards. We will participate in verification activities through the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and initiate work that can be done bilaterally."