29 C
Dubai
Sunday, April 20, 2025
spot_img

South Koreans Protest Japan’s Nuclear Wastewater Disposal Plan

South Koreans Rally Against Japan’s Fukushima Wastewater Discharge Amid concerns over Japan’s impending release of treated nuclear wastewater from the tsunami-damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant, hundreds of South Koreans took to the streets of their capital on Saturday.

Protesters demanded that Tokyo abandon its disposal plans, expressing frustration with Seoul for endorsing the discharge despite perceived food safety risks.

This rally marked another instance in a series of protests that have unfolded over the past weeks since the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved Japan’s discharge plans in July.

The IAEA claimed the process would adhere to international safety standards and have minimal environmental and health impacts.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s government has also supported the safety of the wastewater release, aiming to mend strained relations with the United States ally and address concerns posed by North Korean nuclear threats.

Japan has announced the wastewater release would begin in the summer, but an exact date remains unconfirmed.

Wearing raincoats and carrying signs opposing the disposal of Fukushima’s contaminated water, demonstrators marched through downtown Seoul in light rain.

The rallies remained peaceful, with no immediate reports of clashes or injuries. South Korea has been striving to alleviate concerns about food contamination and environmental risks tied to Fukushima’s wastewater release.

This includes conducting expanded radiation tests on seafood and even examining sand from various beaches.

According to Jeon Jae-woo, an official at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, none of these tests have raised safety concerns so far.

The issue of Fukushima’s wastewater has been sensitive for years between the US allies. Recent efforts have aimed at improving strained relations, addressing shared concerns related to North Korea and China.

In 2011, an earthquake and tsunami led to the destruction of Fukushima’s cooling systems, resulting in the melting of three reactors and contamination of their cooling water.

Japan first announced plans to discharge treated water into the sea in 2018, detailing a meticulous process of dilution with seawater over decades.

Next Article

Related Articles

European Travel Strikes: Travelers across Europe face potential disruptions due to strikes, including French rail workers and UK airport staff, affecting services during the...

European are bracing for widespread disruptions as a wave of strikes threatens to upend holiday plans during the busy Easter travel season. With French rail...

South Korea Champions High-Speed Rail Vision in UAE with Leading Infrastructure Titans

South Korea has set its sights firmly on expanding its global infrastructure footprint, with a high-profile delegation currently visiting the United Arab Emirates to...

India-UAE Trade Booms with CEPA Power: Bilateral Trade Soars 21.35% to $80.51 Billion

UAE has witnessed a significant surge, recording a remarkable 21.35% growth and reaching a total trade volume of $80.51 billion between April 2024 and...

U.S. and Saudi Arabia Forge Ahead with Civil Nuclear Deal

U.S. and Saudi Arabia Forge Ahead with Civil Nuclear Deal The United States and Saudi Arabia are edging closer to reaching a preliminary agreement on...

Saudi Foreign Minister Strategically Engages Washington Ahead of Trump’s Landmark Visit

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister has arrived in Washington, D.C., to initiate high-level talks in preparation for U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the...

Latest Articles