Jeong Eui-yong "US Announcement on Japan's Contaminated Water Discharge Differs from Korea's Assessment"

Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong is attending the government questioning session on politics, diplomacy, unification, and security held at the National Assembly on the 19th, responding to questions from lawmakers. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong said on the 19th regarding the United States' support for Japan's decision to discharge contaminated water from Fukushima, "There are many parts that differ from our government's judgment."

Minister Chung responded to a question from Moon Jin-seok, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, during the National Assembly's government questioning session, saying, "We have clearly explained our position to the U.S. side through various channels and sought their understanding regarding those differences."

When asked if his opposition to Japan's contaminated water discharge remains unchanged, Minister Chung said, "Rather than opposing it outright, we are persistently and consistently requesting three things from Japan while prioritizing the health and safety of our people. If the discharge follows appropriate procedures in accordance with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards, there is no need to oppose it."

The three demands from our side to Japan are ▲providing sufficient scientific evidence and sharing information ▲more thorough prior consultations ▲guaranteeing participation of our experts in IAEA verification.

Minister Chung said, "if Japan proceeds with the contaminated water discharge decision, we are reviewing all possible effective countermeasures."

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