Singer Lee So-jung in a scene from the music video “Island,” which features Dokdo, Korea’s easternmost island (Courtesy of Northeast Asian History Foundation)

Dokdo is the name of Korea’s easternmost island. It comprises two main islets, Dongdo and Seodo, and 89 smaller rocky outcroppings in the East Sea. 

As long as Koreans have ruled on the Peninsula, the island cluster has been attached to it historically, geographically and under international law. Records dating back to the Silla Kingdom in the early sixth century show Dokdo within its territory. 

Imperial Japan annexed Dokdo in 1905 ahead of its 1910 colonization of the Korean Peninsula. Korea reclaimed Dokdo after liberation in 1945 and has since exercised de facto control over the island. However, the Japanese government continues to lay claim to it, referring to the island as Takeshima. Hence, ownership of Dokdo remains a contentious issue between both countries. 

Regardless, most Koreans take for granted Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo. Unlike Japanese tourists, Koreans can visit the island without a passport. Korean police guard the island, and its strong connection to Korea has even been heralded in song. 

Korea also has a day dedicated to the island: October 25 is Dokdo Day. It was started in 2010 by a civic group, “Party for Tokdo Protection” that aimed to raise public awareness of the territory’s historical significance. 

Last year, the Northeast Asian History Foundation unveiled a song sung in English “Island – Dokdo, Beautiful Island of Korea” as part of Korea’s efforts to promote Dokdo worldwide as Korean territory. Singer Lee So-jung, from K-pop girl band Ladies’ Code, appears in the music video and sings around and on Dokdo.

Dokdo is comprised of two main islets and surrounding rocks in the East Sea about 8 km east of Ulleungdo Island. (Courtesy of gettyimagesbank)

Lee recalled visiting Dokdo for the first time and being at the forefront of promoting global awareness of the island. 

“As a Korean, I have always wanted to visit Dokdo. When I set foot on the island, I could feel a burning sense of patriotism in my heart. I felt a sense of pride doing the vocals on this song, which has a meaningful story behind it,” she said in an interview with Korea Here & Now.  

Because of the erratic weather, Lee had to stay on a Coast Guard ship for three days before entering Dokdo to film the music video for “Island.” Lee said some of the most impressive things about Dokdo were its well-preserved environment and ecosystem.  

“It’s located in the easternmost territory of Korea, so there are no fishing boats nearby. There is only one house and about 20 police officers that live on Dokdo. The seawater was crystal clear, and not even a pebble from its beach is allowed to be taken home as a souvenir. I realized how important Dokdo is to us Koreans, geographically and ecologically,” she said.  

The 29-year-old singer said she hopes her song “Island” reaches a wider audience and informs others besides Koreans about the meaning and history of Dokdo.  

“I just want more people to watch ‘Island’ and naturally grow curious about where Dokdo is. I don’t want to tell them what they should believe in, but rather give them a chance to think about it themselves through my song,” she said. “I definitely recommend Millennials and Gen Z to visit Dokdo because it has a beautiful natural environment and a breathtaking view.” 

Singer Lee So-jung stares at the easternmost island of Dokdo from a Coast Guard ship. (Courtesy of Northeast Asian History Foundation)

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