In April, Koo Yun-cheol, minister of the South Korean Government Policy Coordination Office, criticized Japan's move to endanger security and the maritime environment. He also spoke of a unilateral step that had been decided without sufficient consultation with South Korea, the closest neighbor, and its understanding.
As a result, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced in April that it would form an international team of experts to review the process of discharging contaminated water.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said at the time that he believed that the participation of Korean experts was very important and essential.
It was found that the IAEA recently invited a South Korean nuclear expert to join the team. It's about Dr. Kim Hong-suk of the Korea Nuclear Safety Institute (KINS). The South Korean government recommended him.
Kim is an expert in the field of radioactive material analysis and evaluation. He is currently South Korea's representative on the UN Science Committee on the Effects of Nuclear Radiation.
The IAEA reportedly asked Kim for help in the invitation to monitor and verify that the Japanese government's plan for the nuclear water drainage is being implemented in a transparent and safe manner.
Kim didn't want to say a word about his new assignment because there was no official schedule yet.
Reportedly, a Chinese expert has also been appointed to the team. China has so far also sharply criticized Japan's plan.
No specific schedule for the work of the team of experts was announced. However, the group is expected to meet for the first time before the Tokyo Olympics open.
