Comparative Analysis of Korean, Chinese, and Korean Social Media Reactions to the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant's Radioactive Water Discharge

Abstract

The Japanese government initiated the release of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant at the end of August, sparking substantial controversy. The responses of neighboring countries to this matter were divergent, influenced by their diplomatic relations with Japan. To understand the parallax of the public in Japan, China, and South Korea regarding the issue of Fukushima radioactive water discharge and to investigate the reasons behind the concerns and opposition expressed by certain segments of the population, this study conducts a comparative analysis of social media reactions in these three Northeast Asian countries. The analysis shows that while the radioactive water issue appears to be primarily a scientific concern, it is significantly influenced by political factors.