Dokdo Shown as Japanese Territory on Tokyo Olympic Map... Lee Nak-yeon and Chung Sye-kyun Say "Boycott Should Be Considered"

"All Means Must Be Mobilized, Including Olympic Boycott"

Tokyo Olympic homepage labeling Dokdo as Japanese territory. Photo by Seokyeongdeok, Professor at Sungshin Women's University, Facebook screenshot.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Regarding the Japanese government's depiction of Dokdo as Japanese territory on the Tokyo Olympics website, voices calling for an 'Olympic boycott' are also emerging in the political sphere.

Former leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, Lee Nak-yeon, stated on his Facebook on the 27th, "I demand the immediate removal of Dokdo marked on the Tokyo Olympics map," adding, "Dokdo is our land. It is Korean territory historically, geographically, and under international law. South Korea has exercised 'effective control' over it from past to present. This is an undeniable truth that should not be a matter of dispute."

He continued, "I strongly urge the Japanese government to immediately delete the Dokdo marking," and pointed out, "The Olympic Charter stipulates that political propaganda is not allowed in sports. Japan's actions contradict the Olympic spirit, which seeks human harmony."

He emphasized, "I also demand swift and decisive action from the International Olympic Committee (IOC)," adding, "If Japan refuses until the end, the government must respond firmly by mobilizing all possible means, including an 'Olympic boycott.' We will do everything possible to protect our sovereignty over Dokdo."

Former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Japan caused controversy by placing a small dot on the national map introducing the torch relay course on the Tokyo Olympics website, at the location corresponding to Dokdo above Shimane Prefecture, making it appear as if Dokdo is Japanese territory.

In response, our government demanded correction in July 2019, and subsequently, Japan changed the map design. However, even the revised map was confirmed to still have a small dot at the Dokdo location when the screen is zoomed in.

Relatedly, former Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun also stated on his Facebook the previous day, "The Japanese government must delete Dokdo marked on the Japan Olympic map. If Japan refuses until the end, the government must mobilize all possible means, including 'Olympic non-participation,'" emphasizing, "Dokdo is irreversible Korean territory."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.