Liancourt Rocks dispute Liancourt Rocks dispute The Liancourt Rocks dispute is a territorial dispute between South Korea and Japan. Both countries claim sovereignty over the Liancourt Rocks, a group of small islets in the Sea of Japan which are referred to as "Dokdo" () in Korean and in Japanese. North Korea also claims sovereignty of the islands. The Liancourt Rocks have been administered by South Korea since 1954 by the Korea Coast Guard. This action was taken after the United States stated in the Rusk documents that the Japanese claim to the Liancourt Rocks would not be renounced in their peace treaty with
Dokdo Volunteer Garrison of the Korean War, who returned to Ulleung Island after participating in the Korean Armed Forces volunteer service and fought in the Korean War, made up the garrison. They kept it from trespassing by Japan. It was a private organization that has laid the foundation for Korea to exercise territorial sovereignty over the islands. Captain Hong Soon-chul selected his troops, having regard to their combat experience, bravery, age, personality, and family situation. Since April 1953, talks had been underway to normalize relations between Korea and Japan. At the same time, the sovereignty over Liancourt Rocks was raised. In addition, Japanese