Yoon: "No Fukushima Seafood Will Enter... No Compromise on Public Safety" (Update)

Statement on the Ongoing Controversy Over the Influx of Fukushima Seafood

President Yoon Suk-yeol stated on the 31st regarding the domestic inflow of seafood from Fukushima, "There can be no compromise when it comes to the health and safety of the people." He made it clear that the safety of the public is the top priority and that seafood from Fukushima will not enter the domestic market.

The presidential office spokesperson conveyed President Yoon's position through a press release on the same day, emphasizing, "During the summit, the President clearly stated three conditions to Japanese officials he met with: that the issue of contaminated water from Fukushima should be addressed in an objective and scientific manner, verified according to international standards, and that Korean experts must participate in the process."

As controversy grew following a report by Japan's Kyodo News on the 29th that President Yoon, during his second day in Japan on the 17th, met with former Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga in Tokyo and reportedly said he would "seek the understanding of the Korean people even if it takes time" regarding the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the presidential office moved to clarify the matter.

The day before, the presidential office also stated, "Regarding the contaminated water, or more accurately, the leaked water, safety is the most important factor. Objective and scientific verification is absolutely necessary." They added, "For that, it would be best if Korean experts are included in the objective investigation. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for our people to understand."

In particular, they reiterated, "The government's position that the health and safety of the people is the top priority concerning the import of Japanese seafood remains unchanged," and emphasized, "Seafood from Fukushima will never enter the domestic market."