"Dokdo is Japanese territory," claims Japan's Diplomatic Bluebook... Seokyeongdeok calls it "a clear sovereignty violation"

Japan's Unfounded Claims Continue Annually Since 2008
Accusation That South Korea Is Illegally Occupying Dokdo Persists
Need to Develop More Cultural Tourism Content Related to Dokdo

Regarding Japan's recent reiteration in its Diplomatic Bluebook that "Dokdo is Japanese territory," Professor Seokyung Deok of Sungshin Women's University called it a "clear violation of sovereignty" and urged that "the Dokdo strategy must be reorganized."

On the 9th, Professor Seokyung Deok criticized on Facebook, saying, "The baseless claims have continued every year since 2008," and "In particular, the claim that South Korea is illegally occupying Dokdo has persisted since 2018."

Scenic view of Dokdo, South Korea. Photo by Professor Seokyung Deok, Facebook

The Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs annually publishes the Diplomatic Bluebook in April, which records international affairs and Japan's diplomatic activities. Foreign Minister Takashi Iwaya reported the '2025 Diplomatic Bluebook' at the Cabinet meeting held the previous day, reiterating the existing claim that Dokdo is Japanese territory.

Professor Seokyung Deok pointed out, "It has been confirmed that many social studies textbooks for Japanese high school students to be used from next spring include the baseless claim that 'Dokdo is Japanese territory.'" He added, "In February, the right-wing Japanese media Sankei Shimbun editorial stated, 'More than 70 years have passed since South Korea illegally occupied it,' and claimed, 'It is a clear violation of sovereignty and absolutely cannot be tolerated.'"

He argued that Japan is launching an all-out offensive through its Diplomatic Bluebook, textbooks, and media outlets. He emphasized, "We should not only call for Japan's retraction but also reorganize a long-term Dokdo strategy."

Professor Seokyung Deok suggested that expanding the facilities for landing on Dokdo to allow more people to visit easily would greatly help strengthen effective control.

He also stated, "When Ulleung Airport opens in a few years, Ulleungdo and Dokdo can be developed into representative tourist destinations of the Republic of Korea, naturally making the world recognize that Dokdo is Korean territory," and emphasized, "We must develop more cultural tourism content related to Dokdo that only we can create."