The National Assembly Library published a new book in English that again explains Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo, a Korean island situated off the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. The island referred as “Takeshima” in Japan has often become a subject of controversy over which nation has rightful sovereignty over it.

The new book, entitled “Dokdo/Takeshima Controversy” is the first fruit of the Library's ongoing project to research Dokdo-related books. It is an English translation of a Japanese book on Dokdo co-written by Korean-Japanese scholar Park Byeong-seop and honorary professor of Japan's Shimane University, Naito Seitsu. The book argues against Japan's continuing claim that Dokdo was a Japanese territory to begin with.

The National Assembly plans to distribute the book to Korean embassies and parliamentary libraries overseas, including the U.S. and Japan. “We hope this book helps to further correct false information on historical facts about the island,” said Yoo Jong-pil, the head of the library. For more information visit the website: National Assembly Library.

Meanwhile, more advertisements have been printed concerning the Korean island, as well as the sea that separates Korea from Japan. Korea has long been pointing out that the name used should not be “Sea of Japan” but “East Sea” (“Donghae” in Korean) which was the rightful term for this body of water for thousands of years before Japan's annexation of Korea early in the 20th century. 

Seo Kyung-duk, the Korea public relations specialist, and Kim Jang-hoon, the famous Korean singer, announced Tuesday (Nov. 3) that they had sent promotional materials about the East Sea to some 500 media groups including the New York Times, AP, CNN, BBC and Le Monde.

“Lately the Wall Street Journal printed a map that included the name East Sea when describing the region. We were heartened by that but at the same time know that most other newspapers only mark it as ‘Sea of Japan' and decided that something must be done,” Seo said.

Singer Jang shouldered all the costs for printing and sending the materials. Korean students overseas helped with carrying out the plan.

“The biggest obstacle that stands in our way of promoting the correct names is our nonchalance. We will continue to work harder to rekindle public interest and remind people of the truth about the region to the foreign media,” Kim said.

Seo and Kim sent similar East Sea materials to United Nations headquarters and other governments overseas last September. “Early next year we plan to release the documentary film ‘Sorry Dokdo' (2008) on DVD to be distributed to Korean schools overseas,” Seo said.

By Kim Hee-sung
Korea.net Staff Writer