Lee Jae-myung: "Japan Reluctant to Spend on Ocean Discharge... Will Block It Even by Sharing 'Solidification' Costs"

"Yoon Must Clearly State Opposition to Discharge"
Processing Costs Not High Compared to Direct and Indirect Damage
Security Strengthened Due to Terror Threats, "Fundamental Measures Needed"

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, officially proposed on the 9th that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration "present an alternative to share the cost burden with neighboring countries, such as solidification (treatment)," regarding Japan's plan to discharge contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean.

Lee Jae-myung, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, is speaking at the expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly on the 9th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

At an expanded executive meeting held at the National Assembly that morning, Lee said, "Japan plans to discharge contaminated water from Fukushima at the end of this month, but the government is only acting as Japan's spokesperson," adding, "President Yoon Seok-yeol should clearly state his opposition to the discharge even now."

Lee stated, "The Japanese government's decision to discharge nuclear contaminated water is due to costs," and said, "Since they are unwilling to spend money and plan to discharge it into the ocean, causing damage to neighboring countries and the entire world, our government should propose and request that the surrounding countries bear the costs and prevent ocean discharge through concrete or other methods." He emphasized, "That is the attitude of the Republic of Korea government that cares about the safety of future generations and the safety of the people's food."

Lee added, "One might wonder why our government should bear the cost of treating Japan's nuclear contaminated water, but since Japan is acting almost like a bully, we have no choice but to do so to reduce the damage caused," and said, "Considering the direct and indirect damage caused by ocean discharge, the treatment cost is actually not large. If the international community and the Japanese government share the burden, it will not be a heavy load."

Before the meeting, Lee also attended and personally signed the 'UN Human Rights Council Petition Signing Ceremony to Prevent the Ocean Dumping of Fukushima Nuclear Contaminated Water.'

Although a terror threat email was sent to Lee the previous day, and the police conducted an explosive search overnight, Lee proceeded with his schedule as planned on the day.

However, at the meeting, Lee said, "There was news of a terror threat against me. Police officers are providing security, but it is a waste of national power and truly regrettable," urging the government to "do its best to restore a safe image of the Republic of Korea."

He said, "One of Korea's prides was safety. It was the only country where men and women of all ages could walk alone late at night without worry, but in an instant, it became a target country for 'random terrorism,'" adding, "The state's primary duty is to protect the lives and safety of its citizens." He continued, "Terrorism will not decrease just by placing armored vehicles and police officers armed with rifles loaded with live ammunition," and added, "It is time to seriously devise fundamental measures."

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