By Honorary Reporter George Barker from U.K.
Photos = Steven Barber

Dokdo Island is a symbol of national pride for Koreans. Steven Barber, a Canadian researcher previously based in Seoul but now in Canada, is one of the most respected international voices championing Korean sovereignty over Dokdo.

Steven J. Barber takes a photo with Dokdo Island's lone residents, Kim Seong Do and his wife Kim Shin Yeo, on a research trip to the island.

Majoring in computer science, he came to Korea to teach English and grew interested in the controversy over Dokdo. With the help of his Korean wife, the expat has collected and analyzed a large volume of documents and materials on the island and in 2006, he started a website in English on the issue. 

The following are excerpts from an email interview from Sept. 13-14 with Barber to mark Dokdo Day on Oct. 25.

 
Briefly introduce yourself.
I came to Korea in 1999 and I'm the webmaster of a multilanguage website called www.dokdo-takeshima.com, which I launched in 2006.

What inspired you to launch your site and what is its main purpose?
While living in Korea, many expats including myself would discuss Korean issues on foreigner blogs. The topic of Dokdo came up often, which sparked my curiosity and motivated me to conduct my own research. During debates, I frequently referenced websites to support.

The primary purpose of my site is to provide historical evidence that Dokdo Island has always been Korean territory. I aim to present this information in a purely factual manner, without nationalism or hatred. 

Describe your site's content and what visitors can learn from it.
My articles usually begin with a historical record or map, followed by translations and analysis explaining how the data supports Korea's claim to Dokdo. Visitors to my site can learn about the origins of the dispute, including a significant amount of Japanese documentation that reveals inconsistencies in Japan's claim.

Steven Barber's site seeks to inform the world of Korean sovereignty over Dokdo Island.

What does Dokdo mean to you personally?
Dokdo is a symbol of Korea's freedom and resilience to me. It was the first Korean territory seized by Japan in 1905, so it holds deep historical significance. That's why it is essential for Koreans to protect the island. 

Ahead of Dokdo Day (Oct. 25), what message do you have for Korea.net readers?
I want Koreans to know that many foreigners support Korea's rightful claim to Dokdo. We will also continue to educate the global community through public awareness and academic research.

Steven Barber in 2023 won the 11th Dokdo Peace Prize.

What can the public do to support Korean sovereignty over Dokdo?
Koreans can support Dokdo by visiting both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo. Historically, Ulleungdo has always been seen as Dokdo's sister island and their fates are closely intertwined. Promoting tourism in Ulleungdo not only raises awareness of Dokdo but also supports the regional economy and reinforces Korea's presence and sovereignty in the region.