Dear Mr. Sneha Swaminathan

I hope this message finds you well. My name is Yuri Hwang, and I am a college student actively engaged in advocating for the recognition of "Dokdo" and the "East Sea" in Korea.

I am reaching out to you regarding a discrepancy I noticed in an article on your website, specifically in the piece titled "North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into Sea of Japn amid rising tensions." In this article, I observed that the "East Sea" was incorrectly marked as the "Sea of Japan." Understanding the importance of accuracy in such matters, I wish to provide some historical context and kindly request the correction of this error in your articles moving forward.

The designation 'East Sea' has been ingrained in Korean culture for over 2,000 years, a fact supported by various historical sources and ancient maps. Conversely, the term 'Sea of Japan' is believed to have first appeared in Matteo Ricci's "Gonyeo Mangukjeon" in 1602, with its prevalence increasing notably in the 19th century. It's worth noting that even within Japan, historical maps often referred to these waters as the "Sea of Joseon," highlighting the evolving nature of geographical nomenclature.

As Japan's influence grew in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the use of 'East Sea' gradually transitioned to the widely recognized 'Sea of Japan.' Notwithstanding, it is essential to acknowledge the efforts made by Korea to assert the validity of the 'East Sea' designation on an international platform, particularly during times of colonial rule and conflict.

Despite the longstanding usage and cultural significance of the 'East Sea' name, we understand the importance of accommodating diverse perspectives. Unlike Japan, we advocate for a balanced approach, proposing the joint usage of both terms to promote understanding and cooperation.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I eagerly await your response.

Warm regards,

Yuri Hwang