On the 9th, the South Korean presidential office refuted Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks regarding the ROK-Japan territorial dispute, stating that Dokdo (referred to as Takeshima by Japan) is clearly an inherent territory of South Korea in terms of history, geography, and international law.

A relevant official from the South Korean presidential office said that there is no ownership dispute over Dokdo, and that South Korea will respond firmly and sternly to any improper claims by Japan regarding Dokdo.

This is the first time since Lee Jae-myung took office as president that the South Korean presidential office has issued such a strong stance on the dispute between South Korea and Japan.

On the 9th, Sanae Takaichi stated in a response at Japan's National Diet that, whether from historical or international law perspectives, Takeshima is clearly an inherent territory of Japan and that the Japanese government will firmly respond based on this fundamental position.

Dokdo is located in the eastern waters of the Korean Peninsula and has an area of about 0.18 square kilometers. South Korea, North Korea, and Japan all claim sovereignty over the islets. Currently, South Korea has de facto control over them.