[Editorial] Illegal Occupation of Dok-do and the Absurdity of Japanese Ultra-right

The Japanese ultra-rightist’s blatant threats to occupy Dok-do is totally dumbfounding behavior.

It has been said that one of the Japanese ultra-rightist organizations has tried to land on Dok-do several times in an effort to assert their dominium over the island. There have been several instances when the absurd remarks of the Japanese government figures have exasperated our people. But this is the first time an ultra-rightist organization has taken action. This provocation appears to have stretched the limits of our patience.

No matter how much the general slant of Japanese society tends to veer toward the right, they cannot provoke the people of their neighboring country this way. It has been only four months since Japanese Premier Koizumi inappropriately stated, “Dok-do is our territory.” The additional ridiculous and unreasonable actions of the rightist organization to occupy Dok-do reveal the collective conscience of Japan.

Based on historical evidence, geographical features, and relevant international laws, Dok-do belongs distinctly to the Republic of Korea. Though Japan believes it can convince the international society to recognize that Dok-do is under territorial conflicts in order to receive part of the island in the future, the truth cannot be so easily altered by nonsensical tricks.

The Japanese government must first make every attempt to prevent the reckless behavior of ultra-rightist organizations. If the ultra-rightists were to act, the people of each country will experience deep rancor, to say nothing of serious conflict in the official relations of the two countries. Assuming the Japanese government doesn’t want such repercussions, they should know what needs to be done.

Although our government is addressing the Dok-do case with prudent countermeasures, this case is no different from any of the past. As the Japanese ultra-rightist organizations’ intention is clear, the government should prepare every possible measure including the capture of the problematic ship. The negative diplomatic attitude against Japan should be considered for some time. The government should resolve to make an example of this case in order to prevent any other schemes like this from being dreamt up in the first place.

Editorialist Song Moon-hong somgmh@donga.com