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Environment Minister Kim Seong-hwan's Choice of 'Re-examination' Over 'Re-naturalization' Raises Concerns Among Environmental Groups
Environment Minister Kim Seong-hwan Reverses 'Re-naturalization' Pledge for Four Major Rivers
Kim Seong-hwan, Minister of Climate and Energy Environment, had previously pledged the re-naturalization of the Four Major Rivers during a meeting with environmental group representatives following his visit to the Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir in Daegu last August. However, he has since changed his stance. Despite making the same promise during his parliamentary confirmation hearing, eight months later, Minister Kim has opted for a 're-examination' instead of 're-naturalization'. This new approach involves operating the weirs flexibly, opening them only when green algae blooms are severe, and a research project is currently underway to study this strategy.
Green Algae Toxins Detected in Nakdong River Residents, Environmental Groups Express Concern
Environmental groups, who had hoped for the re-naturalization of the Four Major Rivers with the inauguration of the Lee Jae-myung administration, are expressing concern over Minister Kim Seong-hwan's changed position. Kang Ho-yeol, co-representative of the Nakdong River Network, stated that they have fought against the Yoon Suk-yeol government for three years and remain committed to restoring the river. A joint investigation by environmental groups and academics in the summer of 2024 revealed alarming results: green algal toxins were detected in the noses of 46 out of 97 Nakdong River residents examined. Professor Kim Dong-eun, an ENT specialist at Keimyung University Dongsan Medical Center, expressed concern that these toxins could spread throughout the body if they penetrate the nasal and tracheal membranes.
Ministry of Environment's Lack of Communication and Delayed Problem Resolution
Environmental groups argue that green algae blooms result from a combination of organic matter inflow, high water temperatures, and blocked water flow, and that opening the weirs of the Four Major Rivers would effectively resolve severe green algae issues. However, the Ministry of Climate and Environment is pursuing indirect methods, such as compost management, instead of opening the weirs. This decision follows the rejection of a 'roadmap' developed by the Ministry of Climate and Environment in collaboration with civil society over four months. Environmental groups are now calling for Minister Kim Seong-hwan's resignation, while the Ministry of Climate and Environment continues to offer only generalized responses about maintaining communication.
*Source: YouTube: MBC News (2026-03-16)*
