South Korea to keep Fukushima seafood ban despite thaw with Japan

South Korea has recently decided to maintain its ban on seafood imports from Japan's Fukushima region, despite the warming of relations between the two countries. The ban has been in place since 2013, after a nuclear disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in Japan contaminated the surrounding area and caused radiation leaks.

The decision to maintain the ban comes as a surprise, as South Korea has been taking steps to improve its relationship with Japan in recent years. In 2018, the two countries signed a historic agreement to settle the issue of "comfort women," who were forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military during World War II. This agreement was seen as a significant step towards reconciliation between the two countries.

However, the issue of the Fukushima disaster has remained a point of contention. Despite assurances from the Japanese government that its seafood is safe for consumption, South Korea has been reluctant to lift its ban. The South Korean government has stated that it is concerned about the potential health risks associated with consuming seafood from the region, and has cited the fact that other countries, including China and Taiwan, also maintain bans on Fukushima seafood.

In addition to health concerns, there are also political factors at play. Many South Koreans remain deeply skeptical of Japan's intentions, particularly with regards to historical issues. The legacy of Japan's colonial rule of Korea from 1910 to 1945 is still a sensitive topic, and many South Koreans believe that Japan has not done enough to atone for its past actions. The Fukushima disaster, which occurred in 2011, has only served to exacerbate these tensions.

Despite the tensions between the two countries, there have been signs of a thaw in recent months. In November 2021, South Korea and Japan held their first high-level talks in two years, which were described as "frank and meaningful" by the South Korean government. The talks covered a range of issues, including North Korea's nuclear program and regional security. However, the issue of the Fukushima seafood ban was not discussed.

The decision to maintain the ban on Fukushima seafood is likely to strain relations between South Korea and Japan, at least in the short term. However, it is possible that the two countries will be able to find a way to resolve the issue in the future. In the meantime, South Korea's decision underscores the continued tensions between the two countries, and highlights the difficult road ahead in achieving lasting reconciliation.