Dokdo: The End of Dispute and Division

On Thursday, August 15, 2024, Koreans worldwide celebrated ‘Gwangbokjeol,’ meaning ‘bringing back the light.’ This day marked the 79th anniversary of the National Liberation Day of Korea, commemorating Korea’s liberation from years of Japanese colonial rule. In South Korea (ROK), hundreds of thousands gathered to celebrate with festivities, ceremonies, and parades.

Amidst all the celebration, all eyes turned to South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol when he delivered his speech on national television. In past years, ROK leaders had addressed the independence movement and implored Japan to reflect on its past and work toward peace. Yoon and his administration, however, had other plans. There was no mention of Japan's colonial violence; instead, the focus was on freedom and Korean reunification, which left many startled. 

To some, especially the opposition party—the Democratic Party of Korea—this was not a surprise. The two rival parties had been consistently clashing over issues regarding Japan, stoking division within the country and resulting in boycotts and protests. When Japanese Prime Minister Kishida visited the ROK in September, Yoon and his administration faced heavy criticism, inviting labels such as “pro-Japanese” and “submissive.” On top of that, according to recent statistics, Yoon’s approval rating is the lowest it has ever been since he took office at 20 percent. 

Due to their combative history, questions remain surrounding the viability of a working relationship between Japan and the ROK. Although they established diplomatic ties in 1965, the two countries have failed to reach a durable agreement regarding the history of Japanese colonial rule over Korea (1910–1945) and its overall conduct during World War II. Among many unresolved matters, one of the key issues revolves around Dokdo (also known as the Liancourt Rocks or Takeshima). Dokdo is a series of islets between the Korean peninsula and Japan in the East Sea. Japan, the ROK, and North Korea all claim the islands. 

The Dokdo/Takeshima dispute should not be considered a dispute in the first place. It has not only strained Korea-Japan relations for the past 300 years but has also caused a division among Korean people and politics, especially under the current presidency. Although Dokdo is small in size and holds hardly any economic or strategic value, the dispute must be resolved–it serves as the symbolic centerpiece of conflict and Korean sovereignty. 

The dispute dates back to 1905, before the Japanese occupation of the peninsula. Japan decided to acquire the islands—despite being within the administrative jurisdiction of Korea's Uldo County. According to the ROK, Japan recognized Dokdo as Korean territory in 1696 after a clash between Japanese and Korean fishermen. Korea claims that the islands were "rightly" returned to them after the end of World War II, but Japan disagrees.

According to the ROK government, Dokdo has always been and will continue to be Korea’s territory, and it should not be disputed in the first place. This claim is based on historical and geographic grounds, as well as under international law. On their official website, it is stated that: 

“No territorial dispute exists regarding Dokdo, and therefore Dokdo is not a matter to be dealt with through diplomatic negotiations or judicial settlement. The government of the Republic of Korea exercises Korea’s irrefutable territorial sovereignty over Dokdo.” 

In addition, South Korea provides a variety of evidence to further prove their point, including the geographical standpoint, Japan's capture of An Yong-bok, Korea's Imperial Edict No. 41, Uijeongbu's Directive No. 3, and more. They also have resources including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dokdo website, the Dokdo Research Institute and Archives, and other media items, all dedicated towards Dokdo. 

However, a major obstacle stands in the way: the Japanese government has never formally apologized, nor have they owned up to its history. During his visit in September, Kishida expressed “strong pains” in his heart at the plight of forced labor victims. Yoon's office reported that he made similar comments last year. In both instances, he never issued a new, direct apology for colonization. This is significant because it adds to Japan’s history of ineffective apologies and agreements, leaving many Koreans to believe that Japan has not fully owned up to its dark past.

The Dokdo/Takeshima dispute continues to be a pressing issue to this day. It strains Korea-Japan relations and worsens divisions among the ROK people and its politics. For example, in July, the ROK government urged Japan to immediately rescind its latest territorial claims in its annual defense paper regarding Dokdo, and in August, Yoon’s office fired back at the Democratic Party for accusing the government of "erasing Dokdo" and advancing "pro-Japan" diplomacy.

Despite all the tension both abroad and at home, the ROK hopes to work with Japan to correct its historical misunderstandings and take a step toward long-term peace and development. 

Resolving the dispute is not an easy task, and there is no simple solution. In the past, Japan has attempted to take matters to the International Court of Justice—it was rejected by the ROK government, and they still abide by their decision.

Nonetheless, an international court ruling is insufficient to truly bring Koreans justice, nor will it effectively resolve the issue at hand. Rather, it is all up to Japan. Although the past cannot be undone, Japan must acknowledge its dark colonial history, apologize for its mistakes, and accept the truth. 

Japan must stop insisting that Dokdo is their territory. By doing so, they are essentially denying history—Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule. Their relentless grip on Dokdo implies that their ambitions remain indifferent to those in 1945, which is problematic. The ROK seeks to remind Japan of its previous transgressions and to dissuade the nation from claiming territorial rights over Dokdo. 

In the meantime, if Japanese officials were to make serious declarations about their view of history–possibly in the joint vision statement honoring the 60th anniversary of the normalization of relations next year–it would help to strengthen political support for rapprochement with Korea. 

To the international community, these islands may appear insignificant. However, to Koreans, Dokdo is more than just a little island in the East Sea. It serves as a symbol of Korean sovereignty and a harrowing reminder of Japan’s past aggression. 

Therefore, it is of utmost importance that Japan loosens its grip on Dokdo and that the dispute is settled. Ending the battle between the ROK and Japan is significant because it would improve Korea-Japan relations, ease tensions, and carry a plethora of broader implications. Settling the dispute could help foster a sense of international justice, promote multilateral cooperation and unity, and ultimately pave the path towards a more unified Asian continent.