A newly discovered confidential document has revealed that the United States officially recognized Dokdo as part of South Korean territory in 1948, the same year the Republic of Korea was established. This significant finding was made public by the Northeast Asian History Foundation on the 7th. The document, which spans 222 pages, was collected by Jeon Gap-saeng, a research professor at Sogang University’s East Asia Research Institute, from the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). It was recently donated to the foundation, marking a major historical breakthrough.
The document, titled “1948 Dokdo Bombing Incident File,” contains crucial historical records related to the sovereignty of Dokdo. During the period between 1945 and 1948, there were very few primary sources that directly confirmed Korea’s claim over Dokdo. This newly uncovered file provides valuable insight into the U.S. perspective on the issue during a critical time in post-war history.
One of the most important documents within the file is a classified attachment to a report by the U.S. Far East Air Forces (FEAF), titled “Dokdo Bombing Incident Report.” This document states, “It was definitely established in September 1947 that Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo) was a part of Korea.” Furthermore, it notes that the Korean authorities must be notified 15 days in advance before any bombing training was conducted on Dokdo. This information strongly supports the argument that the U.S. acknowledged Korea’s territorial claims over the island during this period.
Other documents included in the file provide additional context and evidence. These include:
- A June 1948 document submitted by the Ulleungdo County Office to a U.S. military legal officer, which explains why Dokdo is considered Korean territory.
- A 1906 report by Shim Heung-taek, a county magistrate, detailing historical claims over the island.
- Additional records that outline the administrative and legal discussions surrounding Dokdo during the early post-war years.
The discovery of these documents has reignited interest in the historical dispute over Dokdo, which remains a sensitive issue between South Korea and Japan. Historians and researchers have long sought concrete evidence to support the Korean claim, and this new archive offers a compelling case for the country’s sovereignty.
The files also highlight the role of the U.S. military in the region during the late 1940s. As the occupying force following World War II, the U.S. had a direct influence on the administration of territories in East Asia, including the islands of Ulleungdo and Dokdo. The documents suggest that the U.S. took the Korean position into account when making decisions about military operations in the area.
This revelation underscores the importance of archival research in uncovering overlooked historical facts. By examining records from the U.S. National Archives, scholars like Jeon Gap-saeng have been able to piece together a more complete narrative of the past. The Northeast Asian History Foundation’s efforts to preserve and disseminate such materials are essential for ensuring that historical truths are not lost or distorted over time.
As the debate over Dokdo continues, the release of this document serves as a reminder of the complex geopolitical dynamics that shaped the region in the aftermath of World War II. It also highlights the need for continued academic and diplomatic engagement to address historical disputes with clarity and objectivity.
