Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Democratic Party's Statement on Dokdo Day, 25th: "Urging the End of Treasonous Pro-Japanese Subservient Diplomacy"

Panoramic view of Gyeonggi Provincial Government Office and Gyeonggi Provincial Council

The Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly's Democratic Party Anti-Japan Humiliating Diplomacy Countermeasures Committee declared its firm stance to resolutely confront Japan's increasingly blatant provocations over Dokdo on the occasion of Dokdo Day, urging the Yoon Seok-yeol administration to immediately halt its ruinous pro-Japanese, subservient diplomacy.

On the 25th, the Gyeonggi Assembly Democratic Party Anti-Japan Humiliating Diplomacy Countermeasures Committee issued a statement saying, "Today is Dokdo Day, designated as a national memorial day to express our determination to protect Dokdo from Japan's territorial ambitions and to inform the world that Dokdo is Korean territory." They added, "Although it is a very meaningful day, Japan's territorial ambitions over Dokdo have not ceased and are becoming more blatant, while the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's pro-Japanese, subservient behavior has gone beyond acceptable limits."

They continued, "Recently, in an outrageous act, the Japanese government's tourism bureau distributed maps in the heart of Seoul labeling Dokdo as Takeshima and including it as Japanese territory, provoking public outrage." They defined this as "a clear provocation against our territory and an act trampling on the pride of the Korean people."

In particular, they pointed out, "Japan has continuously revealed its invasion ambitions over Dokdo, our inherent territory. Through its Defense White Paper and Diplomatic Blue Book, Japan has claimed Dokdo as its land, and Shimane Prefecture even enacted an ordinance designating a 'Takeshima Day,' named after Dokdo's Japanese name."

However, "Despite Japan's unabashed territorial ambitions over Dokdo, the Yoon Seok-yeol administration's response has been lukewarm to the point of merely trying to appease Japan," they claimed. "Under the Yoon administration, Dokdo sculptures have been removed from Seoul subway stations, the Independence Hall, and the War Memorial, and even Dokdo protection drills have been downsized and held privately."

Furthermore, they criticized, "The Seongnam City Council's People Power Party also rejected the 'Resolution to Urge the Protection of Dokdo' unanimously, apparently out of deference to the Yoon administration. Kim Tae-hyo, the Deputy Director for Foreign Affairs and Security, made the outrageous remark that what matters most is the Japanese government's feelings. The Yoon administration's response regarding Dokdo, as per Kim Tae-hyo's remark, prioritizes Japan's feelings over the anger of the Korean people."

The Gyeonggi Assembly Democratic Party Anti-Japan Humiliating Diplomacy Countermeasures Committee stated, "Dokdo is historically, effectively, and under international law Korean territory." They urged, "The Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Democratic Party calls on the Japanese government to immediately cease its territorial invasion ambitions over Dokdo, and demands that the Yoon Seok-yeol administration abandon its pro-Japanese subservience and respond strongly to the Japanese government to protect Dokdo."