'13 Reasons Why Dokdo Is Japanese Territory'... Apple Siri Faces Controversy Again

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Free Board Post... "Dokdo Is Not Korean Territory" Claim
'Takeshima' Label Displayed When iPhone Map Set to Japanese
Controversy Over Introduction of 'Japanese Empire Territory Joseon' on the 10th

This is the window that appears when you ask Siri, "Whose land is Dokdo?" / Photo by VANK

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Gunchan] Apple's artificial intelligence (AI) software 'Siri' has once again become embroiled in controversy. After introducing Korea as 'the Japanese Empire's territory Joseon on the Korean Peninsula or the Joseon Peninsula,' it is now causing problems by directing users to a site titled '13 Reasons Why Dokdo is Japanese Territory.'

According to the Cyber Diplomatic Mission VANK on the 18th, when asked 'Whose land is Dokdo?' Siri directs users to '13 Reasons Why Dokdo is Not Korean Land (Namuwiki)' and '13 Reasons Why Dokdo is Japanese Territory ???? Copied Text (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)'.

Although the post appears to be an official article from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, it is not the Ministry's official introduction of Dokdo. This is a post titled '13 Reasons Why Dokdo is Japanese Territory' that was uploaded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' free bulletin board on September 2, 2002. Clicking on this post reveals claims that Dokdo is not Korean land, citing examples such as the song 'Dokdo is Our Land' being banned in July 1983.

Park Gitae, head of VANK, emphasized, "It is problematic that Apple provides important Korean information like Dokdo based on open encyclopedia entries, and even more so that it provides Ministry of Foreign Affairs materials that are not accurate but rather data posted on the Ministry's free bulletin board 20 years ago." He added, "Apple, used by billions of people with immense influence and reach, is carelessly handling answers about Korea's territory without proper verification."

When set to Korean in Apple Maps, it is labeled as 'Dokdo' (left), and when set to Japanese, it is labeled as 'Takeshima'. / Photo by VANK

VANK has also requested that Apple correct the information about Dokdo on Apple Maps. Currently, when the language is set to Japanese on the map app installed on iPhones, Dokdo is labeled as '竹島' (Takeshima, the name Japan claims for Dokdo). Only when the language is set to Korean does it correctly display 'Dokdo.'

VANK stressed, "If errors related to Korea by famous companies like Apple are not corrected, foreigners worldwide may accept incorrect information about Korea as fact." They added, "It is a clear mistake and a trick that Apple labels Korea's Dokdo differently depending on the language setting. We have sent a letter of protest requesting correction and will also conduct a correction campaign."

On the 10th, another error related to Korea was found in Siri, sparking controversy. It was revealed that Siri introduced Korea as 'the Japanese Empire's territory Joseon on the Korean Peninsula or the Joseon Peninsula.' At that time, Apple promptly corrected the issue after receiving a protest from VANK.