Scholars of Dokdo issue awarded civil honors

For the first time in the nation’s history, the government plans to award orders of civil merit to two scholars for their contributions in defending Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday.

Choi Suh-myun, chairman of the International Korea Research Institute, and the late Seoul National University Professor Paik Choong-hyun were selected as candidates to receive the honors, the ministry said.

Reviews are currently under way to make a final decision, according to the ministry.

Choi, a leading historian of Korea and Japan, devoted five decades of research to the Dokdo issue, the ministry said. He was also praised for establishing a network of academics interested in the Dokdo issue.

The late professor Paik, a law expert, is known for his work backing Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo under international law.

Choi is expected to receive the Moran medal, the second highest civil merit honor, while Paik is expected to posthumously receive the Dongbaek medal, the third highest.

“The two scholars were dedicated to promoting Korea’s sovereignty over Dokdo for a long time,” the ministry said.

“They will be the first ones to receive the honors, and more medals will be provided in a continuous effort.”

By Ser Myo-ja [myoja@joongang.co.kr]