MLB Controversy Over Dokdo→Liancourt Rocks, East Sea→Sea of Japan Notations

Professor Seokyeongdeok: "Korean Territory Should Be Denoted as 'Dokdo'"

The Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States has been criticized for labeling the location of Dokdo as "Liancourt Rocks" on its official website while introducing Japan, a participant country in the 2023 World Baseball Classic (WBC). Liancourt Rocks is known to be a term primarily used by the Japanese government and Western countries to refer to Dokdo.

On the 16th, Professor Seo Kyung-deok of Sungshin Women's University wrote on his Facebook, "(I sent a protest email to MLB) stating that 'Liancourt Rocks' is clearly an incorrect designation and should be changed to 'Dokdo,' which is Korean territory."

According to Professor Seo, Liancourt Rocks is a place name derived from the French whaling ship "Liancourt," which discovered Dokdo in 1849. He claims that the term was spread by the Japanese government to deny Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo.

Professor Seokyeongdeok from Sungshin Women's University pointed out the 'Liancourt Rocks' notation [Image source=MLB official website]

Professor Seo also pointed out, "The name of the sea between Korea and Japan is currently labeled as the Sea of Japan," adding, "This is also an incorrect designation and should be changed to the East Sea."

He added that he attached videos related to Dokdo and the East Sea to the protest letter to help MLB understand. He also noted, "There was a major controversy when the official website of the Tokyo Olympics labeled Dokdo as Japanese territory."

He emphasized, "MLB must immediately correct the labeling to prevent misunderstanding among baseball fans worldwide."

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