Satellite image of North Korea's Pyeongsan uranium mine facility. Yonhap News 

The Republic of Korea is no longer a democratic republic. It is a 'Republic of Deceit' where truth has vanished and lies have become power. It deceives the people, science, and life itself. Those who speak the truth are slandered, while those who manipulate are protected. We stand in the middle of this exhibition hall now.

Editor-in-Chief, Hankyoreh ShinmunIn July 2025, the South Korean government made a shocking announcement. It concluded that there was "no problem" with the radioactive wastewater discharged from North Korea. Although allegations arose that radioactive wastewater from the Pyeongsan uranium refinery in Hwanghae Province, where Kim Jong-un produced yellowcake for nuclear weapons, had flowed through the Yesong River, into the West Sea, and then into the estuary of the Han River, the government quickly stamped it as 'safe' within days.

What exactly is okay? 

By what standards, measuring what, and with what science did they arrive at such a conclusion?

The government collected samples from 10 locations, including Ganghwa Island, Gimpo, and the Han River estuary, starting from July 4th. The measured items were limited to only uranium, radioactive cesium, and 5 types of heavy metals: cadmium, arsenic, mercury, lead, and chromium. All results were below the standards, declared as "no abnormalities." On July 18th, the government made a large-scale announcement, urging the public to be reassured.

However, experts view this as a political performance disguised as an investigation. Professor Jeong Yong-hoon of KAIST criticized, "The key substances discharged from North Korea's uranium refinery are radium and polonium, but the government did not even include them in the investigation items." In other words, the core hazardous materials were omitted from the outset, and the investigation results were predetermined.

Radium is a Class 1 carcinogen. Polonium-210 is a radioactive poison with a toxicity 250,000 times stronger than hydrogen cyanide. While it may not cause harm externally, if ingested, it can destroy the liver, kidneys, and bone marrow, leading to death.

In 2006, in London, former Russian intelligence agent Alexander Litvinenko died three weeks after drinking tea containing polonium-210. The British MI6 and the IAEA classified this as a state-sponsored radioactive poisoning assassination. The incident, which caused a certain death even in minute quantities, impressed upon the world the lethality of polonium.

If there is a possibility of such substances being discharged from the North Korean refinery, including them in the investigation is common sense, let alone scientific rigor. However, the government did not measure either radium or polonium. Instead, they declared 'no abnormalities,' stating, "Cesium was not detected." There was no science; only politics.

We remember the Fukushima incident. Lee Jae-myung condemned "Japan, which threatens the lives and safety of the people," and the Democratic Party took to the streets with candlelight protests. Only the maritime surveillance budget amounted to 1.5 trillion won. Yet, there is only silence regarding North Korea's radioactivity. For what purpose does this government's science exist, which directs anger towards Japan but submission towards North Korea?

Recently, the special prosecutor's office searched Osan Air Base. It is a strategic base jointly operated by the South Korean and US Air Forces.

Operational intelligence targeting North Korea is being linked to treason investigations, while the inflow of radioactive wastewater from North Korea has not even been investigated.

The government's focus is not on the people's health, but solely on the regime's security.

And above the lowered heads of the regime, North Korea threw insults. On July 23rd, Kim Yo-jong stated in an official statement:

"South Korea is not qualified to deal with us, nor does it need to. Do not offer your stance, and stop playing the role of mediator." KCNA. Kim Yo-jong

The regime bowed, remained silent, and looked away. But what returned was humiliation. North Korea disdained this government, stating it was "not even worth dealing with." Could there be a more tragic diplomatic failure?

A government with no national interest, only regime security.

A government that prioritizes North Korea's reaction over the lives of its people.

A government that places ideology above truth and political calculation above science.

This is the true face of the 'Republic of Deceit' created by the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Deceit is a disease.

But what is truly frightening is the people who become accustomed to deceit.

We are now living in a society surrounded by silence and oblivion.

The only way to survive in a Republic of Deceit is to not remain silent in the face of lies.

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