The majority of its inhabitants South Korea worried about Japan rejecting processed of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, despite their government’s efforts to allay their fears, according to a poll published today.

Japan says water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is safe and began discharging it into the Pacific Ocean on August 24, despite backlash from home and abroad, notably China, Tokyo’s biggest trading partner, which banned imports of Japanese seafood products.

The South Korean government, on the other hand, has pointed out that it sees no scientific problem with the discharge of these waters into the ocean, although it has emphasized that it does not approve of it and has banned the import of seafood from the Fukushima area.

South Korean President Yun Sul-yeol has led a campaign to assuage public concerns and encourage seafood consumption. Yesterday Thursday visited a large fish market to shop and have lunch.

Despite these efforts, South Korean environmental groups and many citizens are concerned, and Yun’s approval rating has risen to its highest level in months, according to a Gallup Korea poll.

More than 7 in 10 respondents said they were concerned about the implications of discarding treated radioactive waters for seafood and 60% pointed out that they hesitate to consume them.

“Half of those who say they are conservative and support the government (…) also expressed concerns,” the poll said.

Meanwhile, Yun’s approval rating reached 59%, up two points from last week and the highest in 16 weeks.

The South Korean president has announced that 80 billion won (about 56 million euros) will be given this year to promote seafood consumption and has pledged to tackle “fake news” about the Fukushima water discharge.

His government has also launched a voucher program, offering up to 20,000 won (€14) to consumers to buy seafood.