Ways to remind the world Dokdo is Korean territory

Even after so many years of conflicts, Dokdo still remains a major unresolved issue between Korea and Japan.

Nevertheless, those who support Korea`s claim to the islets ceaselessly find new ways to convey their messages to international society.

The Korean branch of the U.S. perfume company Demeter has been promoting since January a limited edition perfume called "Dokdo Breeze."

Demeter is known for its unique scents such as Laundromat, Rain and many others but has seldom made contributions to a specific country or region, much less to a historical issue.



The company came up with its Dokdo campaign, following an advertisement that singer Kim Jang-hoon, a well-known Dokdo supporter, put up in New York Times last July.

"We wanted the consumers to feel Dokdo closer to their hearts, by imagining its scent," said a Demeter Korea employee.

To capture the characteristic scent of Dokdo, perfume coordinators have visited the islets several times.

The scent offers the user a touch of the sea and the breeze.

Dokdo scent, though exclusively sold in Korea, is often presented as a souvenir gift to foreigners and is expected to promote the Dokdo issue internationally as well, the company said.

Also, 1 percent of the Dokdo Breeze -29,000 won per bottle ($25) - sales profits are to be donated to the New York Times as Dokdo ad funds.

While local consumers befriend Dokdo through its scent, some are more involved in conveying the message out to the world.

The Dokdo Racers, a group of Seoul National University students who departed on a world tour to promote the historical truth about Dokdo, recently met with Canadian Minister of State of Foreign Affairs Peter Kent who supported their message.

"I am amazed that students should be so devoted to promoting their island throughout the world," said the minister. "Historical truth must be recognized."

Various other Dokdo promotion campaigns are also to be held on the islets this month, the official Dokdo month as designated by North Gyeongsang Province.

(tellme@heraldm.com)



By Bae Hyun-jung