Yoo Seung-min: "Why Are We Acting as Japan's Spokesperson for Contaminated Water Discharge?"

Former Lawmaker Yoo Seung-min CBS Radio Interview
"The President Must Clearly State His Position to Ease Public Concerns"

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min criticized President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, "It is very regrettable that he hides behind his aides and does not say a word about the important issue of Fukushima contaminated water discharge."

On the 10th, Yoo appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' and said, "Since the vast majority of the people are worried, anxious, and opposed to the discharge of contaminated water, I believe the president should clearly state his position and help the public understand this issue."

Former People Power Party lawmaker Yoo Seung-min. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

He said, "The government and the ruling party have been making statements supporting the discharge day after day," adding, "The government and ruling party call opposition to the contaminated water discharge a rumor, but since they say nothing about the actual situation in South Korea, I think that is a problem."

He continued, "Today, as you are going (to attend the NATO summit), I hope you report to the people first and clearly state the president's position before you go."

Yoo said, "I want to ask about the science," and added, "What is the most common-sense, logical, fundamental, and scientific question in this whole situation? Isn't it that the water is treated through the Alps method and is clean? Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said it is safe to drink and acceptable."

He went on, "If the water is that clean, why not keep it inside Japan? Isn't it because it is uneasy and dangerous, so they are dumping it into the Pacific Ocean? This is a very common-sense and fundamental question," and pointed out, "No one?whether nuclear scientists, those in favor of the discharge, the People Power Party, or the government?has given a scientific answer to this question that the public has."

He said, "When Director General Grossi was asked if there are alternatives to discharge, he said that is the Japanese government's decision," and questioned, "If all this is science, why suddenly is it a political decision? Why should South Korea take the lead in supporting it and act as Japan's spokesperson?"

Furthermore, Yoo emphasized the need for President Yoon to raise issues regarding the contaminated water discharge. He said, "Public health is the top priority. This is not a situation where vague talk can just sweep things under the rug," and added, "When the president goes to meet Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, he should fundamentally reconsider the issue from the beginning and clearly state his position on this matter during the visit."

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