Using
a proper name for the water between Korea and Japan is not simply a question of
changing the name of a geographical feature. It is part of the national effort
by the Korean people to erase the legacy of Japanese Imperialism and to redress
the unfairness that has resulted from it.
It
is an absolute mistake to hear just one side of the story and to blindly follow.
If we leave these kinds of things alone, it causes serious problems that
disturb the order of international society.
Therefore,
I urge you to use 'East Sea' to describe the body of water in question or to
use both Korean and Japanese designation simultaneously (e.g. 'East Sea/Sea of
Japan') in your contents and maps.
According
to IHO and UNCSGN, in case of topographical feature shared with two or more
countries, yet naming differently in their own languages, all the names in each
language should be marked.
Once
Korea and Japan agree on a common designation, that is in accord with the
general rule of international cartography, we will then follow the agreed-on
designation.