Presidential Office: "Dokdo is Our Territory... Opposition's Doubt on Sovereignty is a Bigger Issue"

"Subway Sculptures Removal and Repair Work Purpose"
"Creating Dokdo as a Disputed Area Is What Japan Wants"

Jeong Hye-jeon, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, is holding a briefing on current issues at the Presidential Office building in Yongsan, Seoul, on the 26th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Presidential Office criticized the Democratic Party of Korea for launching an investigation into the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's alleged 'Dokdo erasure,' stating, "Dokdo is our territory historically, geographically, and under international law," and added, "It is a bigger problem that the opposition party doubts our sovereignty over Dokdo."

Jeong Hye-jeon, spokesperson for the Presidential Office, held a briefing at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the afternoon of the 26th and explained, "We want to ask why the opposition party suspects a non-existent 'Dokdo erasure'."

Regarding the removal of some Dokdo sculptures pointed out by the opposition, Jeong said, "The subway sculptures have been in place for 15 years, and the sculptures at the War Memorial have faded and deteriorated after 12 years," adding, "The subway station sculptures will be replaced with new ones in time for Dokdo Day, and all six sculptures at the War Memorial will be collected, refurbished, and reinstalled in time for the 30th anniversary of its opening."

Jeong emphasized, "Knowing that they are being reinstalled due to deterioration, why does the opposition spread the 'Dokdo erasure' rumor?" and pointed out, "Does the government that is accused of 'Dokdo erasure' conduct two Dokdo defense drills annually? It is a bigger problem that the major opposition party doubts the sovereignty of Dokdo, which is effectively controlled by us."

She continued, "Dokdo is effectively controlled by our country," and explained, "Turning Dokdo into a controversial issue and using it as a tool for agitation to make it an international dispute area is exactly the strategy Japan wants."

She also stressed, "This month alone, the Democratic Party has mentioned pro-Japanese sentiments 33 times in briefings and comments," and added, "Seeing them drag Dokdo into their pro-Japanese offensive makes one doubt whether they have any concern for national interests."

Earlier, Han Min-soo, spokesperson for the Democratic Party, announced at a briefing at the National Assembly Communication Office the previous day, "The Democratic Party will immediately launch an investigation into the Yoon Suk-yeol administration's 'Dokdo erasure' under the direction of Representative Lee Jae-myung."

Han said, "Following the removal of Dokdo sculptures installed at Seoul subway stations such as Anguk Station and Jamsil Station, sculptures at the War Memorial were also removed," and added, "Representative Lee judged that the removal of Dokdo sculptures is a continuation of the Yoon administration's 'Dokdo erasure' and ordered an investigation."