"Japan Dispatched Patrol Vessel Near Dokdo Even on the Morning of the 80th Liberation Day"

Criticism of the Government's Tepid Response
"Firm Diplomatic Measures Needed"

On the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, a claim emerged that a Japan Coast Guard vessel was spotted near the waters around Dokdo.

On the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, there was a claim that a Japan Coast Guard vessel was spotted near the waters around Dokdo. Professor Seo Kyungduk SNS

On August 16, Professor Seo Kyungduk of Sungshin Women's University revealed via social media, "On the morning of Liberation Day, a resident of Ulleung County who visited Dokdo took a photo of a Japanese patrol vessel from the returning ship and reported it." He also released the related photo, which shows a vessel believed to be affiliated with the Japan Coast Guard conducting patrol activities at sea.

Japan has been continuously dispatching patrol vessels to the waters around Dokdo, claiming the area as part of its own exclusive economic zone (EEZ). However, this area is a region where the EEZ boundary between Korea and Japan has not been finalized, and it remains a zone of ongoing dispute under international law.

According to official statistics, Japanese patrol vessels have appeared in these waters dozens of times each year. The annual number of appearances increased to 80 times in 2017, 84 times in 2018, and surpassed 100 times in 2019. Over the past five years, there has been an average of about 80 appearances per year, leading to criticism that such activity has effectively become routine.

Regarding this issue, Professor Seo urged, "Our government must respond more proactively and firmly to the appearance of Japanese patrol vessels in the future," and added, "Our citizens should continue to show interest in revitalizing tourism to Dokdo, thereby strengthening our effective control."

Korean Independence Movement Guidebook in Mexico and Professor Seo Kyungduk and Actress Song Hyekyo who promoted this event

Meanwhile, to mark the 80th anniversary of Liberation Day, Professor Seo Kyungduk and actress Song Hyekyo produced and donated 10,000 guidebooks introducing the history of the Korean independence movement among the Korean community in Mexico. The guidebooks, published in both Korean and Spanish, have begun to be distributed at the Korean Cultural Center in Mexico, and provide detailed information on historic sites such as the residences of Kim Ikju and Hwangboyoungju, as well as the Korean National Association’s Mexico City branch hall.

Over the past 14 years, Professor Seo and Song Hyekyo have continued their efforts to raise awareness of modern Korean history both domestically and internationally by installing Korean-language information boards and relief artworks of independence activists at 39 historical sites around the world through joint projects.