Yoon on Japan's Nuclear Wastewater Discharge: "Must Transparently Explain to Neighboring Countries and Obtain Consent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 26th regarding the Japanese government's formal approval of the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water discharge plan that "they must transparently explain to the surrounding related countries and obtain their consent."

On the way to the Yongsan Presidential Office that day, when reporters asked President Yoon, "There are public concerns as Japan approved the discharge of Fukushima contaminated water. What measures are there?" he replied, "I have been asserting this since the presidential election."

The Japanese Nuclear Regulation Authority formally approved the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water discharge plan on the 22nd. This came about 1 year and 4 months after the Japanese government decided to treat the contaminated water by discharging it into the ocean. The Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company are reportedly aiming to start the discharge from next spring.

In response, the government has urged Japan to provide necessary information for reviewing the safety of the ocean discharge and to take responsible actions for safe treatment. However, civic groups and opposition parties criticize the Yoon Suk-yeol administration for responding lukewarmly to this issue.