Dokdo is an integral part of Korean territory. In 1905, Japan unlawfully incorporated Dokdo through Shimane Prefecture Notice No. 40, and since 2005, it has designated February 22 as "Takeshima Day," intensifying its territorial claims through systematic measures.

In response, the Dokdo Protection Association was officially established with the approval of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries on July 28, 2016, and has been firmly standing against Japan's unjust claims.

Japan's claim over Dokdo is an act of aggression that undermines the sovereignty and independence of the Republic of Korea — and we must never forget this.

The Dokdo Protection Association carries out a wide range of activities to safeguard Korea's sovereignty over Dokdo.

Our key initiatives include: the National Dokdo Visit Campaign, delivering care packages to the Dokdo Guard Unit, rallies condemning Japan's "Takeshima Day," national flag-raising campaigns on patriotic holidays, free meal services for senior citizens and veterans to promote Dokdo awareness, essay contests for students on Dokdo sovereignty, and protests against the misrepresentation of Dokdo on international maps.

As Japan continues to escalate its claims over Dokdo through increasingly aggressive and systematic measures, the Dokdo Protection Association is fully committed to defending our territorial sovereignty.

We call upon all Koreans, both at home and abroad, to stand united against Japan's unjust claims over Dokdo — carrying forward the spirit of our ancestors who devoted their lives to protecting our nation.

Thank you.