Ruling and Opposition United This Time... Political Circles Also Condemn Japan

Continuous Intense Criticism
Standing Committee Convened, National Assembly-Level Response Also Underway

[Asia Economy Reporters Oh Ju-yeon and Geum Bo-ryeong] The political sphere, regardless of party lines, continued for the second day to condemn Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Opinions were raised that mere expressions of regret are insufficient and that practical measures through international cooperation are necessary.

On the 14th, Do Jong-hwan, Emergency Response Committee Chairman of the Democratic Party of Korea, strongly criticized the Japanese government at the Emergency Response Committee meeting held at the Busan Metropolitan City Party Office, saying, "We condemn the Japanese government for making the decision without transparent information disclosure and verification." Chairman Do stated, "We cannot tolerate any actions that harm public health," adding, "So far, we have cooperated with the international community on safety management of imported seafood at the intergovernmental level, but this alone is insufficient," and pledged, "We will work more closely with the international community to resolve this." Especially referring to 'Busan,' where the emergency meeting was held, he emphasized, "The sea is Busan itself," and declared, "Not a speck of contamination is allowed. We will protect the sea in front of Busan."

Candidates running for the next Democratic Party leader also unanimously condemned Japan the previous day and increased pressure. Lawmaker Song Young-gil said, "We will prepare joint response measures with neighboring countries," while Lawmaker Woo Won-shik stated, "We should apply for provisional measures to stop the discharge of contaminated water at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and hold Japan accountable for violating the Law of the Sea Convention through formal litigation." Lawmaker Hong Young-pyo emphasized, "There is a great concern that domestic seafood consumption will be affected," and added, "We must go beyond condemnation and impose practical sanctions."

The opposition party also expressed strong regret over Japan's decision. Joo Ho-young, Acting Leader and Floor Leader of the People Power Party, said at the joint meeting of floor leaders and senior members held at the National Assembly that "Since serious adverse effects on neighboring countries and the marine environment were fully foreseeable, the decision should have been made through in-depth discussions with the international community," and stated, "We once again express deep concern and regret over Japan's actions."

People Power Party lawmaker Tae Young-ho also pointed out, "If Japan unilaterally announced the Fukushima contaminated water discharge measure without any prior notice to our government, it is fundamentally an arrogant and reckless act that lacks the diplomatic decorum and courtesy that neighboring countries should observe."

At the same time, they demanded a strong response from our government. The People Power Party plans to convene relevant standing committees, including the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, the Agriculture, Food, Rural Affairs, Oceans and Fisheries Committee, and the Environment and Labor Committee, to devise countermeasures at the National Assembly level regarding this issue. Lawmaker Tae, a member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, demanded that the government disclose whether the Japanese government notified in advance about the Fukushima contaminated water discharge.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.