총 44페이지

Eye of The Argus
To Be Responsible for Dokdo
ByChoEun
EditorialConsultant
ff the eastern coast of Ulleung Island in South Korea (hereafter Korea) lies the picturesque Dokdo Island,
consisting of two distinct volcanic landmasses. This area is abundant in biodiversity, marine life, and
subterraneanresources.WhileitrepresentstheeasternmostpointofKorea,itsownershipiscontesteddueto
itsproximitytoJapan.However,amultitudeofhistoricalrecordssubstantiateDokdoasKoreanterritory.Theongoing
complexanddivergentinterestsinthismattercanbetracedbacktoJapan’scolonizationofKoreafrom1910to1945.
Despite these challenges, the Korean government, by refusing to acknowledge the dispute, firmly asserts Dokdo as
undeniablyKoreanterritorywhereKoreanresidentscurrentlyreside.
MuchliketheKoreangovernment,KoreansferventlymaintainthatDokdobelongstoKorea,andtheyarecommitted
to its protection. However, contrary to this conviction, it appears that Korea may not be entirely successful in
safeguarding and managing Dokdo. Ocean desertification* on Dokdo has been a trouble for over a decade, despite
knowledge of effective solutions. Some scholars and publications attribute this problem to global warming. However,
theproblemofincreasingtemperatureshasbeenunderdiscussionforsometime,allowingampleopportunitytoaddress
theissue.Manyindividualsremainunawareoftheongoingcircumstancesandunderestimateitsgravity.Thenatureof
Dokdo is undergoing changes due to global warming, resulting in the emergence of subtropical species not previously
seen.Thisshiftintheecosystemdirectlyimpactsourlives.ThereareotherchallengesthatDokdoisgrapplingwith,yet
Koreans may not be affording them the requisite attention. This remarkable island merits increased scrutiny, and it is
possiblethattheactionsofKoreansthemselves,ratherthanglobalwarming,maybecontributingtoitsdetriment.
ThemethodsusedtopromoteandeducatepeopleaboutDokdoarealsooutdated.Fosteringpatriotismandteachingthe
exactlatitudeandlongitudemaynotbeagoodapproachfortoday’skidsandyoungadults.Theymustunderstandwhy
and how Dokdo should be conserved, recognizing its relevance and potential impact on them, as individual Koreans.
To assert the hostility of Japan also has no power over younger generations who have never experienced colonization
orwar.Beyondthat,suchanapproachisinappropriateandmorallyquestionablefromtheoutset.Thedesiretoprotect
Dokdoshouldbecultivatedthroughanappreciationofitsvalueandsovereignty,ratherthanthroughanimositytoward
others.
We must raise awareness and bring Dokdo closer to the hearts of Koreans. Frequent exposure through news,
promotions, and any other means can be effective. Providing individuals with firsthand, personal experiences and
impressionsofDokdoisessential,aspeopleatthistimerelymoreandputmoreweightonwhattheyactuallyseeand
feel.Justasnaturedemands,wemustrecognizethatthefutureofDokdoiswithinourgrasp.
*Oceandesertification:Aphenomenonwheremarineecosystemsandenvironmentsbecomedegradedordepletedbymarinealgaediminishingandcalcium
carbonatecoveringseafloorandrocks.
glgrace@hufs.ac.kr
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OCTOBER 2023

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