Following the recent passing of Kim Seong-do and Kim Shin-yeol, a couple widely known as “Dokdo Guardians,” Dokdo Island is currently without permanent residents. Ulleung County, Gyeongbuk Province, is now initiating a process to recruit new inhabitants for the island. This move aims to maintain a continuous civilian presence on Dokdo, which is a symbol of South Korean sovereignty, despite ongoing territorial disputes with Japan. County officials stated that improvements to resident accommodations will be completed before the recruitment efforts are launched. The recruitment process will likely focus on individuals and families committed to long-term residence and actively participating in Dokdo’s preservation. This effort underscores South Korea’s unwavering commitment to defending its claim over the islets, often referred to as Takeshima in Japan. Maintaining a resident population is considered crucial for reinforcing this claim internationally.