Seoul vows firm response to Japan’s Dokdo claim

Dec 10, 2025, 09:39 am

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President Lee Jae-myung holds an informal meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Nov. 23 during the G20 Summit at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa. / Source: Yonhap News

The presidential office on Wednesday dismissed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks asserting Japan’s sovereignty over Dokdo, declaring that the islets are “historically, geographically and under international law, unequivocally Korean territory.”

In a statement, the office said, “There is no territorial dispute over Dokdo. We will respond firmly and sternly to any unjust claims by Japan.”

It marks the first time since President Lee Jae-myung took office that the administration has issued such a strongly worded stance on a Korea–Japan bilateral issue.

Takaichi stated during a budget committee session in Japan’s House of Representatives on Dec. 9 that “Takeshima, in light of historical facts and international law, is clearly Japan’s inherent territory.”

President Lee is reportedly considering a visit next month to Nara Prefecture—Takaichi’s hometown—for a bilateral summit.

#Dokdo #Japan claim #presidential office #Lee Jae-myung #Sanae Takaichi