Government Expresses "Deep Regret" Over Japan's Decision to Discharge Contaminated Water, Calls for Immediate Halt (Update)

Vice Ministers' Meeting on Response to Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water Discharge

Koo Yoon-chul, Minister for Government Policy Coordination, is presiding over the Vice Ministers' Meeting on Japan's Fukushima Contaminated Water Response held at the Government Complex Seoul on the 25th. August 25, 2021.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Son Seon-hee] On the 25th, the government stated that Japan, which decided to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, must "immediately stop the unilateral discharge of contaminated water that harms the marine environment and the safety of our people, and causes concern among Pacific coastal countries and the international community."

On the same day, Koo Yoon-chul, Director of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, chaired the 'Vice Ministers' Meeting on Response to Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant Contaminated Water Discharge' at the Government Complex Seoul and said, "We once again express our deep regret over the unilateral promotion of this plan without any prior consultation or understanding with our government, the closest neighboring country." He added, "It is a desirable attitude as a responsible member of the international community to first engage in sufficient consultation and communication with the international community and neighboring countries."

Earlier, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) briefed its citizens around 5 p.m. on the same day about the plan to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. The plan is to release the contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, where a massive radioactive material leak accident occurred, into the sea about 1 km away from the plant.

Regarding this, Director Koo criticized, "Despite objections from our country and the international community after the Japanese government decided to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, TEPCO is pushing forward with specific administrative procedures such as announcing the ocean discharge implementation plan."

The Korean government immediately expressed opposition on April 13, when the related announcement was made, and has continuously demanded withdrawal in cooperation with the international community.

Director Koo stated, "The government will prioritize the safety of its people and continue to take all necessary measures together with the international community." He added, "We will also continuously take measures to protect our marine environment and the safety of seafood." He further said, "We will analyze the contents of TEPCO's implementation plan briefing announced today in more detail and respond systematically."

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