Catholics in the southwest of the South Korea have launched a series of public Eucharistic celebrations titled the “Gwanghwamun Mass Against Nuclear Power Plants,” marking the lead-up to the 15th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster on March 11.
The Masses, held from February 13 to March 6, began with an opening celebration in front of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul’s Jongno district. Clergy, religious, and lay faithful gathered to pray and voice concern over government policies related to nuclear energy.
The initiative seeks to support calls for halting the extension of ageing nuclear power plants and reconsidering plans to construct new facilities. During the opening liturgy, Father Yang Ki-seok presided, placing a symbolic drum representing radioactive waste before the temporary altar.
In his homily, Father Yang recalled the lasting impact of the Fukushima disaster and criticized what he described as a renewed push for nuclear expansion. He questioned the extension of the lifespan of the Kori nuclear unit and proposals for additional plants, cautioning about long-term environmental and safety risks.
While acknowledging arguments that nuclear energy is needed to power artificial intelligence data centers and semiconductor complexes, he noted that nuclear plants require more than a decade to become operational. He instead advocated for renewable alternatives such as solar and wind power, which can be installed within a few years and provide sustainable energy for the nation’s future industries.
