South Korea has strongly protested Japan's latest territorial claims over the rocky islets known as Dokdo (called Takeshima in Japan), reigniting a decades-old dispute between the two Asian neighbors. 🇰🇷🇯🇵
Why Now?
On February 22, 2026, Japan's Shimane Prefecture held its annual 'Takeshima Day' event, marking 21 years since it first declared the date in 2005. South Korea's Foreign Ministry slammed the move as 'unjust' and demanded its immediate abolition, calling Dokdo 'historically and legally' part of Korean territory.
Colonial Echoes
The islets, controlled by Seoul since 1945 after Japan's colonial rule ended, remain a raw nerve in bilateral relations. Many South Koreans view Tokyo's claims as a refusal to fully reckon with its imperial past. 🕊️
What's Next?
With both sides digging in, analysts warn the dispute could strain cooperation on regional security and trade. South Korea has maintained a small police presence on Dokdo since 1954, signaling no compromise.
🔍 Why it matters: The rocks may be small, but they symbolize larger battles over history, resources, and national pride in Northeast Asia.
