[On-site] A year after the Japanese government's 'Territorial Sovereignty Exhibition Hall' reopened... 'Takeshima, Sea of Japan, Japanese Sea Lion' - Unreasonable Claims

Japan's continued insistence on its territorial claims, particularly regarding Dokdo (which it calls Takeshima), is once again on full display at the 'Territorial Sovereignty Exhibition Hall' in Tokyo. This institution, operated by the Cabinet Secretariat, actively disseminates historical distortions, including a deeply problematic video that portrays Japanese fishermen hunting seals on Dokdo and presenting the island as Japanese territory. This blatant disregard for historical facts and international recognition is deeply offensive and unacceptable.

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The Dokdo sea lion hunt by Japan is evidence that Japan invaded Joseon in the past, but using it as propaganda that 'Dokdo was Japan's land' is highly inappropriate.

The exhibition's content, which includes claims of "illegal occupation" by South Korea and the misrepresentation of Dokdo seals as 'Japanese sea lions,' serves only to perpetuate a revisionist agenda. The fact that this exhibition, which was criticized for similar distortions upon its reopening last year, remains unchanged is a clear indication of Japan's unwillingness to engage in good faith regarding historical issues.

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It is regrettable and wrong that the Japanese government shows a double standard by saying 'Korea-Japan relations have become even more important' while making unreasonable territorial claims.

From a South Korean perspective, this exhibition is not merely a display of historical artifacts; it is an active propagation of a false narrative that undermines regional peace and historical truth. The Dokdo seals, which were driven to extinction by Japanese exploitation during the colonial era, are now being presented as a symbol of Japanese heritage – a perverse twist of history. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has rightly demanded the exhibition's closure, denouncing the claims as lacking any legal basis and being a clear violation of South Korea's sovereign territory.

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The claim that Korea's occupation of Takeshima is an illegal occupation without any legal basis under international law, and that any measure taken by Korea has no legal legitimacy.

This ongoing territorial dispute, fueled by such exhibitions, stands in stark contrast to Japan's rhetoric about the importance of Korea-Japan relations. The dual approach of advocating for improved ties while simultaneously promoting unfounded territorial claims is hypocritical and damaging. South Korea remains steadfast in its position: Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory, historically, geographically, and under international law. We urge Japan to cease these provocative actions and engage in a manner that respects historical facts and international norms.

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It is a repetitive assertion of unfounded claims over Dokdo, which is clearly our inherent territory historically, geographically, and under international law.