South Korea Protests Japanese Foreign Minister's Unjust Claims Over Dokdo and Urges Withdrawal

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns Japan's Foreign Minister for including unjust sovereignty claims over Dokdo, a historically, geographically, and legally integral part of South Korean territory, in a recent foreign policy speech. South Korea urges Japan to immediately withdraw these claims, emphasizing that they will not affect South Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo. South Korea vows to respond firmly to any provocations regarding Dokdo. Additionally, South Korea insists that Japan must recognize that such unjust claims hinder efforts to establish a future-oriented relationship between the two nations.

Furthermore, South Korea highlights the painful history of wartime forced mobilization associated with the "Sado Island Gold Mines" and stresses the importance of considering this history when discussing its potential inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List, similar to the approach taken with the "Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution." South Korea's stance underscores the need for historical accuracy and reconciliation in diplomatic relations with Japan.