Despite Japan's recent decision to take the Dokdo issue to the International Court of Justice, proceedings cannot begin there without the Korean government's prior agreement.
And since the Korean government has said it has no intention to appear at the ICJ, the question has to be asked: why does Japan continue to push the proposalProfessor Yuji Hosaka, Director of the Dokdo Research Institute at Sejong University says the reasons behind the Japanese government's decision are more political than diplomatic.


[Interview : Yuji Hosaka, Director of Dokdo Research Institute
Sejong University] "Support for Japan's ruling Democratic Party is very low at the moment, so if the party does not take a tough stance on the Dokdo issue, the party is expected to suffer a complete defeat in the next general elections. The hard stance is expected to continue until the elections take place."

The professor, born in Japan, but a naturalized Korean since 2003, says Korean President Lee Myung-bak's recent remarks regarding the Japansese emperor are a contributing factor in Japan's recent moves.


[Interview : Yuji Hosaka, Director of Dokdo Research Institute
Sejong University] "The president's demand for the Japanese emperor to offer an apology to the Korean people, came from a lecture at a college. That remark became well know in Japan, and provoked the Japanese people more than the visit to Dokdo."

As for how the Korean government should respond, Professor Hosaka advises that Korea take a more objective stance, since its counterpart is reacting emotionally.


[Interview : Yuji Hosaka, Director of Dokdo Research Institute
Sejong University] "Even though Japan is taking this matter to the ICJ, Japan has no legal basis in Dokdo so Korea needs to emphasize the legalities of the matter. Legally, Japan has no ground to stand on."

The professor expects the hardline stances to continue for a while in Korea and Japan, both of which have elections in the near future.
He added that improved bilateral relations will probably have to wait until early next year, when new governments are sworn in.
Heo Seung-ha, Arirang News.

Reporter : annaheo@arirang.co.kr