South Korean President Lee Myung Bak landed on Takeshima Island in the Sea of Japan, known as Dokdo in South Korea and claimed by both Japan and South Korea, by helicopter on Aug. 10. Until now, South Korean presidents, who are the head of state, had refrained from setting foot on the disputed island. Regrettably Mr. Lee broke this traditional self-restraint. It is inevitable his action will put a damper on bilateral relations.
Mr. Lee's Takeshima visit may satisfy nationalistic sentiment in his country to some extent. But the political benefits he will get from the visit will be small. On the contrary, it could fan nationalistic sentiment in Japan. This would only harm bilateral relations. It appears that Mr. Lee did not carefully weigh the consequences of his action. He should realize that his action will make it extremely difficult and time-consuming for the two countries to put bilateral ties back on a smooth track.
In reaction to Mr. Lee's Takeshima visit, Japan temporarily recalled its ambassador in Seoul. In this situation, it is all the more important for the governments of both Japan and South Korea to avoid emotion-driven behavior. Diplomats of both countries should carry out damage control in earnest.