[Politics That Day] Why MB's Dokdo Visit Stirred Both Korea and Japan

First Sitting President's Visit to Dokdo in August 2012
Japan Reacts Strongly, Domestic Response Also "Out of the Blue"
Firm Stance Shown, but Diplomatic Misstep Also Criticized

Editor's Note‘Politics, That Day...’ is a series planning corner that looks back on Korean politics through the ‘recollection of memories’ related to notable scenes, events, and figures.

"Dokdo is truly our territory and a place worth protecting with our lives."

The first visit to Dokdo by a President of the Republic of Korea was made by former President Lee Myung-bak. On August 10, 2012, at 2 p.m., he arrived at Dokdo by helicopter and toured the island for about an hour.

Former President Lee Myung-bak's message was powerful. It was a historic event for a sitting president to declare Dokdo as ‘truly our territory’ during a visit.

Moreover, it was just five days before Liberation Day. The sudden visit to Dokdo at a time when public opinion was focused on Korea-Japan relations was undoubtedly a shocking scene. Both Korea and Japan sensed unrest. Japan reacted with strong emotions. An interesting aspect was the reaction within Korea.

Former President Lee Myung-bak. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

Negative and skeptical responses such as "unexpected," "out of the blue," and "without consideration of practical benefits" emerged. It is hard to see these as reactions aligned with Japan's perspective. Considering the weight of the president, the assessment was that the aftermath of the Dokdo visit was unlikely to be advantageous for Korea.

Until then, Korea's policy stance on Dokdo had been quiet diplomacy. The reasoning was that since Korea effectively controlled Dokdo, there was no reason to turn it into a disputed area as Japan desired. The fact that previous presidents had not visited Dokdo directly was not unrelated to this.

The president's visit to Dokdo could be interpreted as showing determination toward Japan, but diplomatically, it could also be a self-defeating move falling into Japan's strategic trap.

In fact, Japan responded immediately to the Korean president's visit to Dokdo. The Japanese ambassador to Korea was recalled to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda expressed, "This is absolutely unacceptable. Very regrettable," showing no concealment of his strong emotions. Korea-Japan relations rapidly cooled.

Korea-Japan relations are complex and delicate. Historically, a steep confrontation line has been formed. Economically, the relationship is inseparable. Socially and culturally, it is difficult to escape the fate of neighboring countries. Japan is a close yet distant country.

On July 26, 2021, a banner with the phrase "When interest disappears, sovereignty also disappears. Republic of Korea Dokdo, protected by the people" was hung on the outer wall of the Seoul Library in Jung-gu, Seoul. On this day, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it would renovate the Dream Engraving Board ahead of the 76th Liberation Day. / Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

Both aggressive diplomacy and submissive diplomacy are dangerous. The Korean and Japanese governments must devise steps regarding their relationship by considering both strategic judgments concerning national interests and the sentiments of their citizens. It is important to devise a strategy that aligns as much as possible with national interests while considering domestic backlash. This is not an easy task.

When an unexpected event occurs, as in August 2012, the strategies built up until then inevitably need revision. It is not feasible to sever ties with Japan forever.

Former President Lee Myung-bak's message at the time was strong and clear. However, historians and political scientists did not give a favorable evaluation of the president's visit to Dokdo in August 2012.

The reaction was that it was a puzzling choice considering the policy stance of the Lee Myung-bak administration.

Within domestic politics, there was also a reaction that the visit was a surprise show to change the political situation as the Lee Myung-bak administration was politically cornered. From the beginning of his term, former President Lee Myung-bak had worked hard to improve relations with Japan.

Japan consistently followed a "my way" approach despite Korea's progressive gestures. When Korea made half a step concession, Japan did not reciprocate but continued to prioritize its own interests with unreasonable moves. Japan asserted stronger claims to Dokdo sovereignty and showed no remorse on historical issues.

On the afternoon of the 16th, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is speaking at a joint press conference held after the expanded Korea-Japan summit at the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo, Japan. [Image source=Yonhap News]

As actions that stirred Korean public sentiment continued, domestic public opinion regarding Korea-Japan relations grew colder. When the Korea-Japan Military Secret Information Protection Agreement issue arose, domestic public opinion exploded.

In this situation, former President Lee Myung-bak's visit to Dokdo took place. Questions about the political intent of the visit inevitably followed. It was evaluated as a political move to change the situation. This was why the question "Why?" regarding Lee Myung-bak's visit to Dokdo did not fade.

Would the evaluation have been different if such an action had been taken early in the term? Former President Lee Myung-bak's visit to Dokdo occurred in August 2012, six months before the end of his presidency. The remaining term was too short to lead changes in Korea-Japan relations.

The difficulty in setting relations with Japan remains the same today. Although President Yoon Suk-yeol has shown a progressive stance, Japan again follows a "my way" approach. The issue of Japanese textbooks has resurfaced. Detailed content claiming Dokdo as Japanese territory was included in Japanese elementary school textbooks.

The difference between 2012 and now is the president's remaining term. President Yoon has more than four years left, leaving time to lay new groundwork for Korea-Japan relations. It remains to be seen whether President Yoon can untangle the complicated knot surrounding Korea-Japan relations.