Government Strongly Condemns Japan's Textbook Approval Including Dokdo as Japanese Territory... Summons Japanese Consul

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyungsoo Park] On the 30th, the government strongly protested and urged immediate correction regarding Japan's approval of high school textbooks containing distorted content claiming "Dokdo is Japanese territory."

On the same day, the government issued a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson concerning the results of Japan's textbook screening. The statement pointed out, "The Japanese government approved textbooks that do not accurately describe past facts according to a Japan-centric historical perspective."

The government strongly condemned, saying, "It is hard to contain our indignation over the Japanese government once again approving textbooks containing absurd claims about Dokdo, which is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law."

Furthermore, "To build a constructive and future-oriented relationship between Korea and Japan, a correct historical awareness among the generations who will carry the future is fundamental," and added, "We expect the Japanese government to show a more responsible attitude in youth education while facing history honestly."

On the same day, Lee Sang-ryeol, Director General of the Asia-Pacific Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, summoned Soma Hirohisa (相馬弘尙), Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Korea, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building in Doryeom-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, to protest.

The Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology held a textbook screening review meeting on the day. It approved 296 types of textbooks mainly used by first-year high school students starting next year. Most social studies textbooks contained the Japanese government's unilateral claims of sovereignty over Dokdo.