Heavy Metals in the Nakdong River

Appeal for Solidarity to the Youth of the World

Heavy Metals Still Flow in the Nakdong River

Dear friends, youth who think and act for a sustainable future around the world,

We are Save The Nakdong River, a youth action solidarity group striving to protect the

Nakdong River where heavy metals still flow.

We are Kim Geon (born 2009, 1st year, Andong High School), Jeong Geum-bi (born

2009, 1st year, Bonghwa High School), and Kwon Da-in (born 2010, 3rd year, Andong

Gyeongan Girls' Middle School), Hwang Eun-hyun (born 2012, 1st year, Andong

Gyeongdeok Middle School).

Right now, Korea’s lifeline, the Nakdong River, is dying. The irresponsibility of adults

and the greed of polluting corporations have poisoned the river with heavy metals,

threatening the survival of 13 million people, our generation, and future generations.

That is why we, who live along the Nakdong River, have chosen to take action. We are

participating as plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit demanding 13 million won in damage

symbolizing the 1,300 ri (about 510 km) full length of the Nakdong River against the

polluting company, ‘Youngpoong Seokpo Smelter’.

We will no longer remain silent. We will act to resolve this crisis, and we appeal to you

to join us in solidarity.

The Truth of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Nakdong River

The Nakdong River is Korea’s longest river (510 km) and the lifeline for 13 million

citizens. But this river is dying due to more than 50 years of toxic wastewater

discharged by Youngpoong Seokpo Smelter, an industrial polluter located in the river’s

uppermost stream. Surrounding soil has also been contaminated, trees have withered,

and even the earth itself has been poisoned by heavy metals.

The Gravity of the Crisis: Data Speaks

• Deadly toxins: Cadmium, a Class 1 carcinogen, has been detected at up to 150,000 times the water quality standard.

• Ecological collapse: Freshwater snails once living in the river’s upper stream have disappeared. Fish have died en masse, and surviving fish contain over 13 times the food safety standard of heavy metals.

• Human health impacts: Local residents suffer from kidney and liver diseases of unknown cause.

• A threat that never disappears: Heavy metals do not break down. They accumulate in rivers, soil, and in our bodies, threatening the health of future generations. This is not just environmental pollution, it is violence trampling on our right to life and human rights.

Join the Nakdong River Youth Action Culture Festival!

We will act to let the world know about this problem and to pressure the Korean President, government, and National Assembly to take real action.

• Event name: Nakdong River Youth Action Culture Festival

• Theme: “Heavy Metals Still Flow in the Nakdong River”

• Date/Location: Oct 19, 2025, 4 PM / Andong Culture Street, South of Korea

• Hosted by: Save The Nakdong River

• Co-hosts: Countermeasure Committee of Residents in Upper Nakdong Area, Lawyers for a Democratic Society, Nakdong River Network

• Main Programs

‒ Documentary Screening: “The Cry of a Dying River, Youngpoong Seokpo Smelter”

‒ Global Solidarity Messages: Screening of support videos from youth worldwide

‒ Talk Concert : Conversation between youth and environmental YouTubers

‒ Cultural Performances : Youth bands, dance, and choir performances

‒ Special Exhibition : Photos of polluted sites and solidarity letters from abroad

‒ Declaration Reading : Letters and petitions to the President, government, and National Assembly, plus calls for corporate accountability

Call for Global Solidarity: We Need Your Strength!

• Send a Video Message: Record a 10‒20 second video with the message “We Stand with the Nakdong River!” Your face and voice will be a great support.

• Write a Letter: Send a letter of support in your language. It will be read aloud at the event and delivered directly to the President, government, and National Assembly of Korea.

• Amplify on Social Media: Spread awareness with hashtags #SaveNakdongRiver #STOPYoungpoongSeokpo

• Boycott Polluting Companies: Join the international consumer campaign to boycott products of companies destroying the Nakdong River.

Dear youth friends across the world,

The Nakdong River is not only a river of Korea.

It is a mirror reflecting our shared future.

If we fail here, rivers, forests, and the future everywhere will also be at risk.

We will never give up. We believe that your voices and solidarity can gather together to create a great wave of change.

Please act with us.

Please fight with us.

※ Plz Send your solidarity videos and letters, photos to : savenakdongriver@gmail.com

September 2025, from South of Korea

Youth Action Solidarity to Protect the Nakdong River

(Save The Nakdong River)