Lee Jae-myung Urges Woo Won-shik to Stop Hunger Strike Against 'Wastewater Discharge'... "Let's Fight in Another Way"

Proposing 'Hunger Strike Suspension' at Protest Site
Woo Won-sik "Considering Methods"
Opposition Plans Long-term Response as 'Control Tower'

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, urged his party member, Rep. Woo Won-sik, who has been on a hunger strike for 15 days to stop the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan, to "fight harder in other ways" and discouraged him from continuing the hunger strike.

On the morning of the 10th, after concluding the Supreme Council meeting, Lee visited the protest site in front of the National Assembly main building with the Supreme Council members and met with Rep. Woo and Rep. Kim Han-jung. Rep. Kim has been participating in a solidarity hunger strike alongside Rep. Woo for six days.

Rep. Woo said, "I tried to convey the public opinion of our people frankly to the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) Secretary-General," adding, "A Japanese lawmaker who came said that there are people opposing it in Japan as well, and that the hunger strike by a South Korean lawmaker is a great encouragement."

In response, Lee said, "The response to the contaminated water discharge is not something that will end in a day or two; it is a long-term issue that must continue. If Rep. Woo wants to fight, he must preserve his health," and added, "You have already shown your heart and determination enough, so I came to ask you to fight in other ways and to stop the hunger strike."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Democratic Party, Lee proposed to Rep. Woo on that day to end the hunger strike and lead a 'control tower' for long-term struggle. The plan is to organize a systematic response, including all activities of the party’s countermeasure committee against the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water marine dumping.

Park Kwang-on, the floor leader, also said, "Since the body is in a difficult condition to endure, I think it is better not to go beyond today." Lee supported Rep. Woo and even told him, "Do not stand up."

Rep. Woo nodded and said, "Since Japan insists on the discharge, I am thinking about what would be a better way."

At the Supreme Council meeting that morning, Floor Leader Park also emphasized opposition, saying, "Marine dumping will continue for more than 30 years. Governments are temporary," and "We must not hastily choose on issues concerning the lives and safety of the people."

On the same day, 11 lawmakers, including members of the party’s countermeasure committee against the Fukushima nuclear power plant contaminated water marine dumping and independent lawmakers, departed for a 2-night, 3-day trip to Japan. They plan to visit the Prime Minister’s residence and the IAEA Japan office during their stay to hold protest rallies.