South Korea Escalates Takeshima Dispute, Condemning Japan's February 22 Commemoration

A diplomatic standoff between South Korea and Japan intensified on February 22 when Seoul launched a formal protest against Tokyo’s annual Takeshima Day event held in Shimane Prefecture. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning what it describes as Japan’s persistent challenge to Korean territorial sovereignty. According to reporting from Jin10, Seoul demanded that Tokyo immediately suspend this annual observance, which the Korean government views as an illegitimate assertion of claims over the contested islands.

The Heart of the Conflict: Territorial Claims Under International Law

The islands at the center of the South Korea-Japan dispute carry two names reflecting each nation’s competing claims. South Korea calls them Dokdo, while Japan refers to them as Takeshima. Located in the waters between the two nations, these small islets have sparked one of East Asia’s most persistent territorial disagreements. Seoul maintains that historical evidence, geographical proximity, and international legal principles firmly establish Korean sovereignty over the territory. The South Korean government has substantiated its position by stationing a small police contingent on the islands to reinforce its administrative control and territorial assertions.

South Korea’s Official Stance Hardens

The February statement from Seoul’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected what it characterized as Japan’s unreasonable territorial claims. South Korean officials emphasized that Dokdo represents an integral part of their nation’s territory, backed by comprehensive historical records and international law. This annual ritual of protest has become a defining feature of South Korea-Japan relations, with Takeshima Day serving as a flashpoint for broader diplomatic tensions between the two neighbors.

Broader Implications for Regional Dynamics

The Dokdo/Takeshima dispute extends beyond symbolic territorial disagreements. It reflects deeper tensions between South Korea and Japan that periodically disrupt economic partnerships, cultural exchanges, and security cooperation in Northeast Asia. As both nations maintain competing claims, each commemorative event—from Japan’s Takeshima Day to Korea’s counter-protests—reinforces the entrenched positions of both sides. The persistence of this dispute underscores how historical grievances continue to shape South Korea-Japan bilateral relations and regional stability.