Dokdo’s Population Drops to Zero Following Couple's Passing; Why Bereaved Family Refuses to Clear Belongings

Currently, the population of Dokdo is zero.

The island has become uninhabited following the passing of Kim Seong-do and Kim Shin-yeol, a couple known as the guardians of Dokdo.

Now, Dokdo is looking for new residents.

Ulleung-gun announced plans to recruit new residents after renovating the residential quarters on Seodo Island in Dokdo.

The Seodo residential quarters are where the late couple previously stayed.

The couple engaged in fishing in Dokdo and guarded the island, serving as a symbol demonstrating South Korea's effective control over Dokdo.

However, the quarters became vacant after Kim Seong-do passed away in October 2018 and Kim Shin-yeol passed away in March of this year.

Following the deaths of the couple, the legal validity for using the residential quarters has also been terminated.

Ulleung-gun sent a notice of administrative vicarious execution to the bereaved family of the couple, requesting that they clear out the personal belongings left in the quarters.

However, Ulleung-gun has faced setbacks in carrying out the administrative action as one of the bereaved family members has repeatedly refused to accept the related administrative documents.

It is reported that this family member refuses to collect the belongings because they wish to continue living on Dokdo across generations, even though they do not engage in fishing.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.