Liancourt Rocks dispute Japan. In 1954, Japan proposed a reference to the International Court of Justice, which South Korea rejected, believing that the Liancourt Rocks are irrefutably South Korean territories, and thus should not be dealt through diplomatic negotiations or judicial settlement between South Korea and Japan. There are conflicting interpretations about the historical state of sovereignty over the islets. Korean claims are partly based on references to a Korean island called "Usan-do" in various historical records, maps and encyclopedias such as the "Samguk Sagi", "Annals of the Joseon Dynasty", "Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam" (), and "Dongguk munheon bigo" (). According to the Korean
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