Eonju Lee: "Japan's Secrecy and Closed Attitude Are Very Serious"

Former Lawmaker Yeo Opposes Japan's Radioactive Water Discharge
"Must Represent Majority Public Concern"

"We cannot speak so recklessly for our future. And the ocean is something everyone uses together. The Japanese government is not the only one using it. Isn't that right?"

Former People Power Party lawmaker Lee Eon-ju appeared on SBS's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show' on the 4th and expressed a critical view regarding Japan's discharge of contaminated water from Fukushima. Lee, a former ruling party member, participated in the Bipartisan National Countermeasure Committee on Fukushima Contaminated Water.

Former lawmaker Lee Eon-ju explained, "Many People Power Party members, conservatives, and party supporters unofficially raise concerns. That's why 85% oppose it according to public opinion polls," adding, "It was created to represent the will of the majority of the people."

The Inter-Parliamentary National Countermeasures Committee Against Fukushima Contaminated Water held a press conference opposing the discharge of Fukushima contaminated water on the morning of the 3rd at the National Assembly Communication Hall in Yeouido, Seoul. Former lawmaker Lee Eon-ju is speaking. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Former lawmaker Lee said, "Shouldn't we represent the concerns of the majority of the people? The people are the sovereign. This is not an ideological issue. It is not a pro-Japan or anti-Japan issue. If China did this, would we just stand by? We believe that if a precedent is set, other countries might do the same. So this should not be approached with a pro-Japan or anti-Japan frame," he said.

In particular, former lawmaker Lee emphasized, "I think Japan's secrecy and closed attitude are very serious problems."

Regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) final report scheduled for release on the 4th, former lawmaker Lee questioned its credibility. He explained, "The IAEA initially recommended that the discharge was acceptable, and I think a Japanese person was the Secretary-General at that time. That's how I remember it. Anyway, it's a natural process. The IAEA is not an organization that verifies or ensures safety. It is a kind of nuclear agency."

Former lawmaker Lee pointed out, "Isn't it better to minimize radiation exposure?" and said, "Even though there are other alternatives, who says it's still tolerable? Our government cannot take responsibility for that. Later, the government will have to be held accountable for this issue."

He added, "I think this part must be clear, and it is a matter of sovereignty. Also, it is a matter of national interest and environmental security," and said, "The ruling party and government must officially represent the entire people's position accurately on this issue."

Former lawmaker Lee said, "Other countries, not only China but also Hong Kong and Taiwan, are raising concerns. Anyway, as countries attached to East Asia, especially since our country is the closest, we must clearly state our official position," and added, "The government must oppose it to the end. It must reflect the will of the people."

Then, former lawmaker Lee asked rhetorically.

"Japan is committing an immoral act causing international nuisance. This is immoral. The wastewater issue is the same. We should not just overlook it. And there are other alternatives. They say they are doing it by digging tunnels because of costs, but the government should demand other alternatives from Japan. There have been many discussions. Even lawmakers in Japan have proposed alternatives. For example, pouring concrete to solidify it. If it is safe, why dilute it in seawater? If it is safe, why drill more than 1 kg of oysters and pour it directly into the sea? They could just dispose of it near the coast. If it is safe, why dilute it... Isn't that strange? If there is no problem, why dilute it?"

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