I am reaching out to address an issue I observed on your website concerning the labeling of the body of water commonly known as the "East Sea," inaccurately referred to as the "Sea of Japan." I would like to offer historical insights and kindly request a correction in future publications.

The term 'East Sea' has been deeply ingrained in Korean history for centuries, supported by numerous historical references and ancient maps. In contrast, the term 'Sea of Japan' can be traced back to Matteo Ricci's "Gonyeo Mangukjeon" in 1602, as evidenced by various historical records. The claim that its establishment occurred in the 19th century is disputed, given that contemporary Japanese maps referred to these waters as the 'Sea of Joseon.'

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, coinciding with Japan's rise in Asia, the 'East Sea' gradually became widely known as the 'Sea of Japan.' Notably, this occurred during Japan's colonial rule over Korea, leading to international acceptance of the 'Sea of Japan' designation.

Despite challenges, our nation, particularly post-Korean War, has consistently advocated for the rightful recognition of the 'East Sea.' For instance, the 1965 Korea-Japan Fisheries Agreement saw both nations agree to use 'East Sea' and 'Sea of Japan' in their respective language versions. Subsequent efforts culminated in Korea formally raising the East Sea labeling issue at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Geographical Names Standardization.

The term 'East Sea' holds immense cultural significance for 75 million Koreans, spanning over two millennia and finding mention in the opening verse of our national anthem. However, unlike Japan, we advocate for a balanced approach, suggesting the use of both 'East Sea' and 'Japan Sea.'