The Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has launched an investigation, accusing the Yoon Suk-yeol administration of systematically trying to “erase” Dokdo from public consciousness. The decision to investigate, initiated on Aug. 25, came directly from DPK leader Lee Jae-myung, who is currently hospitalized with COVID-19.
The investigation seeks to determine whether the recent removal of Dokdo sculptures at Anguk Station, Jamsil Station, and the War Memorial of Korea is part of a coordinated government effort to downplay the significance of Dokdo.
Seoul Metro said the Dokdo models at Anguk and Jamsil stations were removed because they obstructed passenger flow, noting that the installations had been in place for more than 15 years. In response to criticism from the opposition, which accused the government of trying to “erase Dokdo,” Seoul Metro announced plans to install new Dokdo sculptures soon. Concerns were also raised about the removal of a Dokdo sculpture displayed for 12 years at the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan. The War Memorial said the piece, along with other outdated exhibits, is currently in storage and will be reinstalled after restoration.
The DPK suspects the presidential office may have directed the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the Ministry of National Defense’s War Memorial of Korea Association to carry out this so-called “erasure” of Dokdo. However, since South Korea already has effective control over Dokdo, there is no need for constant displays of territorial claims, especially in places like subway stations, which do not significantly influence the country’s stance on the issue.
The DPK’s focus on this matter could inadvertently play into Japan’s strategy, making Dokdo appear as a disputed territory and increasing the chances of the issue being brought to the International Court of Justice.
In their fervor to oppose Japan, the DPK may be interpreting the replacement of outdated facilities as a pro-Japan move. The situation escalated when DPK leaders publicly claimed that the Yoon administration was attempting to “surrender Dokdo to Japan,” leading to the spread of fake news online, including a false claim that a Dokdo model had been removed from the National Library of Korea’s Ancient Documents Room, where no such model ever existed.
Recently, the DPK led a controversy over “National Foundation Day” during this year’s Liberation Day celebrations, despite the government’s stance against pursuing such a proposal. This approach mirrors their actions a year ago when they stirred public fear by spreading rumors about Fukushima’s contaminated water, causing significant national unrest and damage. Now, they seem poised to make Dokdo a focal point of their anti-Japan campaign, potentially turning it into an annual event.
