SEOUL- The release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea has sparked widespread concern among the majority of South Koreans, despite efforts by their government to alleviate these concerns, according to a recent poll published on Friday.

Japan asserts that the water from the damaged nuclear facility is safe and began releasing it into the Pacific on August 24, despite objections both domestically and internationally, notably from China, Japan's largest trading partner, which has imposed a ban on Japanese seafood.

While the South Korean government has stated that it does not perceive any scientific issues with the water release, it has made it clear that it does not approve of it and has imposed a ban on seafood imports from waters near Fukushima, located north of Tokyo.

President Yoon Suk Yeol has been leading a campaign to alleviate public worries and promote the consumption of seafood. He recently visited a prominent fisheries market to shop and have lunch.

Despite these efforts, South Korean environmental organizations and a significant portion of the public remain alarmed, resulting in a rise in President Yoon's disapproval rating to its highest level in months, as indicated by a Gallup Korea poll of 1,002 individuals.

More than 70% of respondents, as reported by Gallup Korea, expressed concerns regarding the potential impact on seafood, with 60% indicating reluctance to consume seafood.

Interestingly, even among those who identify as conservative and typically support the government, approximately half shared these concerns, according to Gallup Korea's findings.

President Yoon's disapproval ratings have recently climbed to 59%, a two-percentage-point increase from the previous week, reaching their highest point in 16 weeks.

In response to these concerns, President Yoon has committed to allocating 80 billion won (equivalent to $60.6 million) this year to promote seafood consumption. He has also pledged to combat what he perceives as "fake news" surrounding the water release issue.

Additionally, the government has initiated a voucher program, offering up to 20,000 won (around $15) to shoppers who purchase seafood.

The Fukushima nuclear plant was severely damaged by a tsunami triggered by an offshore earthquake in 2011, which serves as the backdrop for the ongoing concerns about its treated radioactive water discharge.