South Korea’s national flag, Taegeukgi, is spread over a dock on Dokdo on June 30, 2025, in this file photo provided by professor Seo Kyoung-duk of Sungshin University. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 9 (Korea Bizwire) — The presidential office reaffirmed Tuesday that South Korea’s easternmost islets of Dokdo are unequivocally South Korean territory, rejecting Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s renewed claim over the islets in the East Sea.
A senior presidential official dismissed Takaichi’s remarks during a parliamentary session earlier in the day, reasserting that no territorial dispute exists over Dokdo.
“Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory historically, geographically and under international law,” the official said. “We will sternly and firmly respond to Japan’s unjust claims over Dokdo.”
It marks Seoul’s first strong response toward Tokyo since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June vowing to improve relations with Japan.
Takaichi’s renewed claims raised concerns that it could strain the bilateral ties at a time when Lee has emphasized a two-track approach that separates future-oriented cooperation from historical and territorial disputes.
The two countries have reportedly been coordinating Lee’s potential visit to Nara Prefecture, Takaichi’s home region, next month for a summit with the Japanese prime minister as part of efforts to maintain positive momentum through reciprocal visits.
(Yonhap)
