Government Expresses "Deep Regret" Over Japan's Textbooks Distorting Dokdo, Urges Historical Acknowledgment

Expression of Regret Through Statement by Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson

Dokdo

The South Korean government expressed deep regret over the Japanese government's approval of a middle school textbook that includes claims of sovereignty over Dokdo.

On the 22nd, the government issued a statement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, stating, "Our government expresses deep regret that the Japanese government approved a middle school textbook on the 22nd that contains unjust claims about Dokdo and descriptions based on assertions that do not align with historical facts."

The government emphasized, "We strongly protest the Japanese government once again approving a textbook containing unjust claims about Dokdo, which is clearly our inherent territory from historical, geographical, and international law perspectives," and added, "We make it clear that we cannot accept any claims by Japan regarding Dokdo."

Furthermore, the statement said, "The government also expresses strong regret that expressions and descriptions related to the issues of Japanese military comfort women victims and forced labor have been changed in a way that does not reflect coercion," and urged, "We call on the Japanese government to sincerely implement history education based on the spirit of apology and reflection on past history that it has itself acknowledged."

It added, "Since the foundation for building a future-oriented bilateral relationship starts with a correct understanding of history, we expect the Japanese government to face history squarely and approach education for future generations with a more responsible attitude."

On the same day, Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology held a textbook screening committee meeting and finalized the review results for textbooks to be used in middle schools starting in 2025.

Among the 18 social studies textbooks that passed the screening, 15 described South Korea as 'illegally occupying' Dokdo, sparking controversy. In particular, some textbooks included passages that appear to reflect a 'historical revisionist' tendency denying coercion in issues related to forced labor and comfort women.

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