[Reporter’s Notebook] Between Fukushima Agitation and Public Anxiety

"They say it's harder now than during the early days of COVID-19 or the initial Fukushima nuclear accident. The contaminated water hasn't even been discharged yet, and people are already saying not to eat seafood. Are they basically telling Korean fishermen to starve to death?" This is what Kim Ki-hyun, the leader of the People Power Party, recently said during a visit to Noryangjin Fish Market as part of a campaign to promote seafood consumption. Half of this statement is wrong, and the other half is also wrong.

The part about "already saying not to eat" shows a failure to properly understand public sentiment. In fact, seafood sales at large supermarkets, where most people buy seafood, have been at similar levels or even increased by 4-10% compared to last year and last month since the beginning of this month. This is because people, uncertain about the situation following the coastal discharge of contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, are thinking they should eat more for now. The sharp increase in salt consumption is also a result of such concerns. Salt sales at large supermarkets this month have jumped 80-200% compared to the previous month. Eventually, supermarkets stocked 3-4 times more than usual and imposed purchase limits to prevent hoarding.

The other half that is wrong concerns the government's response to public concerns. The government and ruling party have labeled criticism from the opposition and civil society as "rumor spreading" and have taken a hardline stance. They have even launched a "Fukushima contaminated water drinking challenge." From the Prime Minister to ministers, they have repeatedly stated that if the water meets World Health Organization (WHO) drinking standards, it is safe to drink. The proliferation of political slogans only intensifies confusion. Rather than calming public concerns, it is causing a backlash. The public is not asking for political agitation but genuinely wants to know if seafood is safe and if it is okay to eat with their families. Nothing is more important than food safety, and the government must explain and persuade to an extent that might seem excessive.

Previously, the government dispatched an expert inspection team for Fukushima nuclear contaminated water and held daily briefings, but no independent verification results were presented. It was insufficient to gain public trust as it was merely conveying information provided by the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company. The inspection method at seafood auction sites is also inadequate for people to buy seafood with confidence and without hesitation. The method involves pre-identifying fishing areas and frequently caught species during specific periods, collecting samples, and testing them. If one fishing vessel receives a safety certification, seafood caught by other vessels in the same area and period is also deemed safe. What is required from the government and ruling party now is not showmanship appealing to fishermen's livelihoods or emotions.