My country, South Korea has been calling for the adoption of the alternative name ¡°East Sea,¡± because the name ¡°Sea of Japan¡± was used under Japan¡¯s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. "East Sea" sounds totally neutral comparing to "Japan Sea", so we should use the East Sea as the name of the sea between two countries.
Japan has argued ¡°Japan Sea¡± is the only internationally established name and there is no need to change it. I am really regretful to see your article used this wrong name because China was also a colony of Japan so that I strongly ask you to change the name as East Sea.
The issue of 'Sea of Japan' only causes a diplomatic problem between South Korea and Japan. We don't ask you to change the name as Korean Sea, instead, we claim to change the name as "East Sea" which is very neutral.
Therefore, your journal should also carry this issue as fairly as possible based on the role of the media.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Andy Yoo from South Korea