Dokdo 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 Dokdo guardians Kim Sung-do and Kim Shin-yeol.

Now, Dokdo is looking for new residents.

Ulleung County 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 on Dokdo and protected the island, widely regarded as symbols demonstrating South Korea's effective control over Dokdo.

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

Following the death of the couple, the authorization for using the residential quarters also ceased to be effective.

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

However, as one of the bereaved family members has repeatedly refused to receive the relevant administrative documents, Ulleung County is facing setbacks in executing the administrative process.

It is reported that this family member does not engage in fishing, but wishes to continue living on Dokdo across generations, which is why they are refusing to collect the belongings.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.