Jang Hee-jun
Asia Economy /Foreign Affairs and National Security from Diplomacy Team

The Chernobyl nuclear disaster in April 1986, which occurred in the Soviet Union (now Ukraine), is considered one of the most catastrophic tragedies in human history. The haunting images of devastated individuals, ruined cities, and the birth of deformed babies are etched in our collective memory. The fear of invisible radioactive substances remains ever-present. Currently, there is a buzz surrounding the upcoming release of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. However, the most immediate threat to us is not far away; it lies just a few tens of kilometers from our shores at the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site in North Korea.

For several years, there have been concerns regarding the possibility of radioactive material leaks from the nuclear test site. Kilchu County, located in North Hamgyong Province, is notable for its abundant groundwater and is home to the test site, which is situated within the vulnerable and extensively fractured granite bedrock of Mount Mantap. North Korea has conducted six nuclear tests at the same location, merely shifting the adit. The reasonable suspicion is that radioactive substances, flowing through the fractures, could spread via water. Additionally, the dubious technical capabilities and lack of safety consciousness of North Korea raise further concerns.

The problem lies in the stance of the South Korean government, particularly during Moon Jae-in's presidency, where there was a policy of appeasement. Under this approach, the Ministry of Unification carried out two radiation exposure screenings in 2017 and 2018, involving 40 North Korean defectors from Kilchu County. The test results revealed potential radiation exposure in nine individuals, with one woman showing levels of exposure exceeding those of workers involved in the Fukushima disaster cleanup. However, concerns regarding radiation exposure were dismissed, with claims that "confounding variables cannot be excluded." Furthermore, the government went so far as to dismiss these concerns as "unfounded allegations." It appeared that a predetermined conclusion had been reached, asserting the safety of the North Korean nuclear test site.

The passive approach to testing was seen as having political motives. For instance, the results of the initial test in 2017 were communicated through a "closed-door briefing," with only limited information released about a select few individuals. Within a week, Kim Jong-un made an announcement as the President of the North Korean State Affairs Commission, expressing his intention to participate in the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics held in South Korea. Instead of prioritizing the examination and preparation for issues that could potentially threaten citizen safety, more emphasis was placed on the political relationship and cooperation with Kim.

Under the Yoon Suk-yeol government, there was a shift in approach within the Ministry of Unification. In late February, they made the decision to carry out comprehensive radiation exposure tests and commenced the first round of screening on May 15. As part of their plan for this year, they intend to examine 796 North Korean defectors, including the nine individuals who appeared to have been exposed to radioactive materials in previous tests. Furthermore, they have committed to disclosing the results of the water source investigation.

The undisclosed results of the water source investigation during the Moon Jae-in government would provide crucial data for understanding the correlation between water and radiation exposure. It is concerning that the residents of Kilchu County still rely on groundwater and tap water supplied from the vicinity of the nuclear test site.

Once the examination of all individuals is completed, a significant amount of data from over 800 individuals will have been collected. To ensure that the results are not concealed due to political motives, it is important to establish and carry out additional scientific research based on rigorous criteria. In the previous government, despite the recorded figure of 1386mGy (milligrays, internal radiation exposure dose) from the bodies of North Korean defectors, the discussions mainly revolved around factors like smoking habits and medical exposure. Even with radiation therapy, the expected range for daily life should be around 5-10mGy. The Ministry of Unification is now expected to play a crucial role in transparently disclosing all available data and supporting its tracking and research by the private sector.

Until the day when we can directly examine Punggye-ri, we cannot conclusively determine if there has been any leakage of radioactive materials. However, the common health issues experienced by residents of Kilchu County and the previous results of radiation exposure tests undoubtedly serve as clear warning signs. To quote geological experts, it raises a "very scientific and rational suspicion." This issue demands thorough inspection on par with, if not more rigorous than, the case of the Fukushima Daiichi Accident. It is crucial to consider the possibility of North Korean agricultural and seafood products being smuggled as Chinese goods, as this poses a risk of radioactive substance accumulation in our bodies.

Above all, these concerns expose the essence that connects the North Korean nuclear issue to human rights, extending beyond national security. It particularly sheds light on the level of disregard shown by the South Korean government towards "North Korean human rights." The initial doubts were raised in 2016 through the SAND Institute (South And North Development), and the report by the Transitional Justice Working Group, which has diligently tracked the issue, was published in February of this year. The government has shown little proactive action until then. Despite the grievances voiced by numerous North Korean defectors, their pleas have gone unheard. President Yoon Seok-yeol has recently emphasized "North Korean human rights" in the international community. Whether this is merely political rhetoric or a genuine commitment is something that warrants close observation.