South Korea strongly protests the Japanese government's approval of textbooks that distort historical content.

On the 24th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea issued a statement strongly protesting the Japanese government’s approval of high school textbooks that include territorial claims regarding Dokdo (referred to as “Takeshima” by Japan) and demanded immediate correction from Japan. The statement emphasized that Dokdo unquestionably belongs to South Korea’s inherent territory from historical, geographical, and international law perspectives. It also expressed strong opposition to the Japanese government’s approval of textbooks containing “unreasonable claims” about Dokdo, stating that “any improper claims by Japan regarding Dokdo are unacceptable.” Furthermore, the statement expressed regret over the distorted descriptions in some Japanese textbooks that downplay the issues of “comfort women” victims and forced labor by the Japanese military, and reiterated the Korean government’s call for Japan to conduct historical education in accordance with its declared spirit of apology and reflection on historical issues. On the same day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea summoned the Minister at the Japanese Embassy in South Korea, Hiroyuki Matsuo, to convey Seoul’s protest. According to the Korea Herald, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology approved high school textbooks for use starting in 2027, with some textbooks asserting that Dokdo is Japan’s inherent territory. Additionally, the language in some history textbooks regarding forced labor and “comfort women” issues, claiming that “there was no coercion,” has been further reinforced. (Xinhua News Agency)