This Youtube video was a report and commentary related to the ongoing Dokdo problem. Although the real topic about the video was animal cruelty, there are both valid points made and misconceptions conveyed that should be addressed. The poster appears to be American and goes under the handle “Propaganda Buster”. Following this video is an explanation detailing what many Westerners need to understand about the heated Dokdo – Takeshima controversy.

The poster of this article seems to downplay the importance of Dokdo Takeshima by referring to the islets as “itty-bitty” However, despite Dokdo’s small size, it’s worthy to note Korea uses these islands as a basepoint from drawing her territorial limit. Any attack on these islands is rightfully perceived as a threat to the nation of Korea as a whole by the ROK. Japan also has a history of claiming huge areas of land around the smallest of islets. Thus “these itty bitty rocks” could translate into large areas of real estate to whichever nation possesses them. ( see this link )

It’s somewhat misleading Propaganda Buster states “the Koreans” were chopping off pheasants heads. He gives the viewer the impression these cruel demonstrators were somewhat representative of Koreans in general when in fact they were former ROK elite soldiers from Korea’s right-wing lunatic fringe. This would make one believe Koreans hate Japanese. In reality Koreans don’t hate Japanese people at all. Regarding the territorial issues, it’s the antiquated, expansionist policies of Japan’s MOFA and Shimane Prefecture that Koreans have come to despise. ( see link )

The news reporter states that Dokdo Takeshima is roughly equidistant from Korea and Japan, when in reality Dokdo island is only 87kms from Korean territory (Ulleungdo). Dokdo is almost twice as far away from the nearest Japanese territory at 157kms. In fact, Dokdo is visible from Korean territory. ( see link )

The next videos about Dokdo are professionally made and seem to reflect the official stance of the South Korean government. The videos contain interesting footage of Dokdo and Ulleungdo Islands and have commentaries by University of Hawaii’s Professor of Law Mr Jon Van Dyke and Japan’s Mr Hosaka Yuji (see link) who have been outspoken in their support of Korea’s claim to Dokdo.

This video also appears to be the work of the Korean government. It is quite informative because it contains a more detailed summary of related historical records both Japanese and Korean. Many of these such as records such as Saito Hosen’s Report on Oki , The Shogunate’s Inquiry to Tottori (Shimane) , and The Meiji Government’s Inquiry About Ulleungdo and Other Island prove Korea’s ownership of Dokdo and can be seen on this website.