nder The Radar is a special series and newsletter offering from Diplomatic Courier bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world over the past month. This month across Asia: A robotic milestone at the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster site, a shift in South Korea for women's universities, and a cold welcome for ethnic Koreans. You can sign up to receive the newsletter here.
A robot successfully returned from the site of the Fukushima disaster with a tiny sample of melted fuel on 8 November 2024. This robot’s mission: obtain a grain–sized sample of the melted fuel debris, which scientists will test to determine the best way to dispose of the fuel. Fortunately, despite concerns about how radioactive the sample might be, the radioactive levels are safe enough to conduct the necessary tests. Still, many more samples must be collected, which will be no easy feat.
The robot was first set to begin its mission in August. However, two delays—one procedural delay and one camera failure—pushed it back. Once it started, the mission took roughly two weeks to complete as the robot had to carefully navigate the disaster site, avoiding rocks and other hazardous materials. Notably, although other probes have entered the disaster site, much of the extremely radioactive interior of the plant remains a mystery, which poses another obstacle for Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings—the company managing the plant.
Experts have differing opinions on how long it will take before the Fukushima plant is thoroughly and safely decommissioned, with some suggesting it could be done within 30–40 years, although others lean toward a more conservative 100 year estimate. Japan is simultaneously working on other plans to fully decommission the plant, including discharging treated water into the sea and proposing a controversial plan for recycling soil from the site.
South Korea eyes co–ed shift in face of student opposition
In November 2024, two different South Korean women’s universities announced decisions to begin allowing male students.
When Dongduk Women’s University announced its plan to possibly transition to a co–ed institution, it was immediately hit with backlash from the students. The university put forward the proposal as a way to bolster enrollment numbers amid South Korea’s low birth rate. However, student–led protests and the student council’s firm opposition to the proposal have already caused the university to reconsider. An official assembly of 1,973 students unanimously voted in opposition to becoming co–ed, with two abstentions, illustrates just how unpopular the proposal is among students. Thus, on 22 November, the university administration decided to suspend its possible plan to become co–ed. However, Dongduk Women’s University students are still unsatisfied and plan to continue protesting until the administration repeals the plan entirely.
Similar protests are also occurring at Sungshin Women’s University, although the protests have not yet been as successful as the ones at Dongduk. As of now, Sungshin Women’s University’s proposal for becoming co–ed will only apply to their department for international students, but students still find the plan unacceptable.
The chief concern for students at both universities is the possible infringement on spaces that have remained safe spaces for women amid a growing culture of anti–feminism.
Ethnic Koreans returning to South Korea, find scant welcome
Ethnic Koreans living in the Russian Far East and Central Asia, called Koryoins, have been returning to South Korea in recent years. But they have been facing difficulties adapting to their new homes, and are pleading for better resources from the South Korean government. Koryoin ancestors migrated from Korea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to pursue better agriculture opportunities, flee Japanese colonialization of Korea, or as a part of forced migration by the Soviet Communist Party. In 2001, Koryoins started returning to South Korea as the South Korean government began to grant them residency. Recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has spurred more Koryoins to flee to South Korea. This benefits South Korea greatly as it provides one answer to South Korea’s ongoing labor shortage.
Many Koryoins, however, are struggling to adapt to South Korean culture. There is often a language barrier, as their ancestors often were forbidden from speaking their native language. This poses a problem for students now attending Korean schools who cannot understand what is being taught. Although the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) is intended to help navigate language barriers for immigrants, the program recently announced that several classes will start costing money. Similarly, one Koryoin shared that multiple Korean neighbors moved away after his family moved in, likely due to cultural differences.
Currently, the South Korean government does not have support programs to help immigrants adapt to long–term settlement—except for immigrants moving on a marriage visa—but many argue that changes are necessary, especially given the benefits South Korea is seeing in welcoming immigrants.
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After months of delays, robot completes Fukushima mission
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station. Photo courtesy of TEPCO.
November 29, 2024
Diplomatic Courier staff writer Stephanie Gull brings you three under–the–radar stories from Asia this month: A successful robot at Fukushima, and in South Korea, a co-ed shift at women's universities, and a cold shoulder for ethnic Koreans.
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nder The Radar is a special series and newsletter offering from Diplomatic Courier bringing you compelling, under–the–radar stories from around the world over the past month. This month across Asia: A robotic milestone at the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster site, a shift in South Korea for women's universities, and a cold welcome for ethnic Koreans. You can sign up to receive the newsletter here.
A robot successfully returned from the site of the Fukushima disaster with a tiny sample of melted fuel on 8 November 2024. This robot’s mission: obtain a grain–sized sample of the melted fuel debris, which scientists will test to determine the best way to dispose of the fuel. Fortunately, despite concerns about how radioactive the sample might be, the radioactive levels are safe enough to conduct the necessary tests. Still, many more samples must be collected, which will be no easy feat.
The robot was first set to begin its mission in August. However, two delays—one procedural delay and one camera failure—pushed it back. Once it started, the mission took roughly two weeks to complete as the robot had to carefully navigate the disaster site, avoiding rocks and other hazardous materials. Notably, although other probes have entered the disaster site, much of the extremely radioactive interior of the plant remains a mystery, which poses another obstacle for Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings—the company managing the plant.
Experts have differing opinions on how long it will take before the Fukushima plant is thoroughly and safely decommissioned, with some suggesting it could be done within 30–40 years, although others lean toward a more conservative 100 year estimate. Japan is simultaneously working on other plans to fully decommission the plant, including discharging treated water into the sea and proposing a controversial plan for recycling soil from the site.
South Korea eyes co–ed shift in face of student opposition
In November 2024, two different South Korean women’s universities announced decisions to begin allowing male students.
When Dongduk Women’s University announced its plan to possibly transition to a co–ed institution, it was immediately hit with backlash from the students. The university put forward the proposal as a way to bolster enrollment numbers amid South Korea’s low birth rate. However, student–led protests and the student council’s firm opposition to the proposal have already caused the university to reconsider. An official assembly of 1,973 students unanimously voted in opposition to becoming co–ed, with two abstentions, illustrates just how unpopular the proposal is among students. Thus, on 22 November, the university administration decided to suspend its possible plan to become co–ed. However, Dongduk Women’s University students are still unsatisfied and plan to continue protesting until the administration repeals the plan entirely.
Similar protests are also occurring at Sungshin Women’s University, although the protests have not yet been as successful as the ones at Dongduk. As of now, Sungshin Women’s University’s proposal for becoming co–ed will only apply to their department for international students, but students still find the plan unacceptable.
The chief concern for students at both universities is the possible infringement on spaces that have remained safe spaces for women amid a growing culture of anti–feminism.
Ethnic Koreans returning to South Korea, find scant welcome
Ethnic Koreans living in the Russian Far East and Central Asia, called Koryoins, have been returning to South Korea in recent years. But they have been facing difficulties adapting to their new homes, and are pleading for better resources from the South Korean government. Koryoin ancestors migrated from Korea in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to pursue better agriculture opportunities, flee Japanese colonialization of Korea, or as a part of forced migration by the Soviet Communist Party. In 2001, Koryoins started returning to South Korea as the South Korean government began to grant them residency. Recently, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has spurred more Koryoins to flee to South Korea. This benefits South Korea greatly as it provides one answer to South Korea’s ongoing labor shortage.
Many Koryoins, however, are struggling to adapt to South Korean culture. There is often a language barrier, as their ancestors often were forbidden from speaking their native language. This poses a problem for students now attending Korean schools who cannot understand what is being taught. Although the Korea Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) is intended to help navigate language barriers for immigrants, the program recently announced that several classes will start costing money. Similarly, one Koryoin shared that multiple Korean neighbors moved away after his family moved in, likely due to cultural differences.
Currently, the South Korean government does not have support programs to help immigrants adapt to long–term settlement—except for immigrants moving on a marriage visa—but many argue that changes are necessary, especially given the benefits South Korea is seeing in welcoming immigrants.
