Yong Hye-in "Not in favor of contaminated water discharge, but promotional video? Turning a blind eye"

Representative Yong Hye-in SBS Radio Interview
"Government Treats Contamination Water Concerns as Rumors... Serious Issue"

Yong Hye-in, a member of the Basic Income Party, raised her voice, saying, "Even if the discharge of Fukushima contaminated water is Japan's problem, the fact that there was no consultation or effort made during this process is a problem of the Republic of Korea government."

On the 24th, Representative Yong appeared on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' and said, "It was actually just a briefing by a vice minister, who is neither the prime minister nor a minister, saying that while they do not support it, they do not oppose it either, which is incomprehensible," adding, "Rather, it seems the government predetermined the answer and even produced promotional materials claiming that the Fukushima contaminated water is safe. They actively engaged in such propaganda activities, but then say they do not support it?this is just pretending to ignore the issue."

Yong Hye-in, Member of the Basic Income Party. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

He continued, "In fact, even Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio visited fishermen during this discharge and said, 'I will take full responsibility, so for the next 30 years while the discharge continues, no matter what position I hold, if any problems arise during my lifetime, I will be fully responsible,'" and criticized, "I think if President Yoon Seok-yeol had at least made efforts to persuade like Prime Minister Kishida, the public would not be this frustrated and angry."

He added, "If this (discharge of contaminated water) is truly necessary and acceptable, even if the public opposes it, the administration should stake its political fate and persuade the people," and pointed out, "The biggest problem now is that there is no effort to persuade the public at all, and all concerns are being dismissed as rumors."

Representative Yong noted that since the discharge decision falls within the sovereign domain of the Japanese government, it is difficult to stop it, but there are areas where the government can make efforts. He emphasized, "For example, when North Korea fires missiles, the Republic of Korea government naturally condemns it," and said, "Similarly, efforts should be made to use various means to pressure Japan not to discharge contaminated water, and democratic processes to gather public opinion for this are necessary."