Members of the Democratic Party (DP) announced Wednesday that they will consider legislation banning the import of all Japanese seafood if Tokyo releases the ALPS-treated water stored at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station without the consent of its neighboring countries, according to DP spokesperson Lee So-young during a press conference. The DP’s announcement came in the wake of a statement by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) director general Rafael Mariano Grossi saying that Tokyo’s plans to release the ALPs-treated water are “consistent with relevant international safety standards.”

Lee also said that the DP is keen to strengthen and collaborate with a coalition of international organizations and civic groups to oppose the release of the ALPS-treated water. DP lawmakers are also preparing to meet with Grossi during his visit to the ROK later this week. Additionally, opposition lawmakers are scheduled to visit Tokyo, where they intend to hold a press conference to share the Korean public’s concerns. About 80% of the South Korean public is opposed to the release of the ALPS-treated water.