Dokdo Labeled as Takeshima? Controversy Over Error in World's Largest Flight Tracking App

The world's most popular flight tracking app, Flightradar24, has sparked controversy by labeling Dokdo as Takeshima.

When accessing 'Flightradar24' from Korea, it is labeled as 'Dokdo' (left), and when accessed from Japan, it is labeled as 'Takeshima' (right). Professor Seo Kyungduk

This app, developed by a Swedish company, allows users to monitor global air traffic in real time.

When accessed from Korea, the app clearly labels the territory as "Dokdo." However, when accessed from Japan, it displays "竹島" (Takeshima), and even if the language is set to Korean and searched, it introduces the territory as "Takeshima."

In response, Seo Kyungduk, a professor at Sungshin Women's University, immediately sent a protest email, explaining that "Dokdo is clearly Korean territory from historical, geographical, and international legal perspectives," according to his statement on the 18th. Professor Seo also attached an English-language video about Dokdo and demanded that the issue be corrected as soon as possible.

Earlier this year, when Instagram launched a map service allowing users to share locations, the territory was correctly labeled as "DOKDO" in Korea, but as "TAKESHIMA" in Japan, which also sparked controversy.

To date, Google Maps also labels the territory as "Dokdo" only in Korea, while in Japan, it is marked as "竹島" (Takeshima), in line with Japan's claims.

Professor Seo emphasized, "There is a growing trend of global portals, social media platforms, and app maps labeling the territory as 'Takeshima' when accessed from Japan," adding, "We must correct these erroneous labels through continuous response and enhanced global outreach regarding Dokdo."