The Facts
South Korea announced on Friday that it supports the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency's approval of Japan's plans to discharge treated water from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean amid controversy surrounding the decision.
Millions of tons of treated wastewater has accumulated at the Fukushima nuclear plant following a tsunami disaster in 2011. With over 1,000 tanks having been filled, Japan has proposed its gradual release into the Pacific over the next three decades.
The Spin
Narrative A
The ocean release of Fukushima water is the most realistic and safe option available to improve the environment surrounding Fukushima's nuclear plant. The Japanese government is doing its utmost to ensure people's safety, including diluting the treated water with seawater to bring the tritium concentration well below internationally approved levels.
Narrative B
The Japanese government's decision to contaminate the ocean with large volumes of radioactive tritium-laden water damages the reputation of Fukushima's agricultural and fishing produce. In addition, by turning its back on the clear evidence that the "treated water" still contains harmful radionuclides, Japan has deliberately put marine and human life at risk of radiation exposure.
