Nuclear wastewater leaked into the sea from South Korea’s nuclear power plant

On January 12, 2025, about 29 tons of nuclear wastewater from Unit 2 of the Wolseong Nuclear Power Plant in South Korea was discharged into the sea without quality testing. The incident has aroused widespread concern and worries that nuclear radiation and nuclear waste in nuclear wastewater may cause serious damage to the marine ecosystem, affect the survival and reproduction of marine organisms, and may also threaten the health and safety of coastal residents. The Korean Government has indicated that it will strengthen the management of nuclear power plants to ensure the safe operation of nuclear energy facilities, but the follow-up situation remains to be seen.