South Korea-Japan Tensions Escalate Over Fukushima’s Contaminated Waters
IAEA Accused of Biased Decision-Making in Fukushima Wastewater Discharge Plan
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has faced criticism from South Korean officials for allegedly showing favoritism towards Japan in the decision to discharge contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea. Woo Seung-woo, a representative from the Democratic Party (DP), criticized the IAEA for lacking neutrality and for reaching a conclusion without conducting a thorough investigation into the potential impact on neighboring countries.
DP Deputy Wi Seong-gon, who chairs a special committee dedicated to this issue, urged Japan to explore alternative solutions and called on the IAEA to review their decision. The concern raised by South Korean officials has not gone unnoticed by the IAEA, as Director Rafael Grossi expressed understanding for the worries of the South Korean people during a visit to the country.
Despite the reservations, Grossi maintained that the evacuation plan adhered to international safety standards. He emphasized that the IAEA would continue to monitor the process, which is expected to take several decades. The discharge of radioactive materials from the plant, except for tritium, will be facilitated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS). The plan involves diluting the water containing tritium before releasing it into the sea. While an official timetable has yet to be announced, it is anticipated that the oceanic evacuation will commence this summer, with the IAEA report potentially expediting the process.
The Japanese government, under Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, had announced its intention to discharge the accumulated wastewater into the sea in April 2021. However, neighboring countries such as China, South Korea, and Taiwan have strongly opposed this decision. Director Grossi experienced this resistance firsthand when he encountered a group of protesters opposing the wastewater discharge at Seoul’s Gimpo Airport on July 7. In response to Japan’s plan, South Korean citizens also took to the streets in the capital to voice their concerns on July 8.
The Fukushima Dai-Ichi Nuclear Power Plant suffered nuclear meltdowns following a massive 9-magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March 2011. The surrounding area was declared an “evacuation zone” due to the release of radioactive materials into the air. The issue of how to deal with the accumulated wastewater has been a contentious topic ever since.
As the debate surrounding the discharge plan continues, it remains to be seen how the concerns of neighboring countries will be addressed by the Japanese government and the IAEA. The potential environmental impact and long-term consequences of the Fukushima wastewater discharge are significant factors that will require careful consideration and international cooperation to ensure the safety of both the marine ecosystem and the affected nations.
