Kim Yong-man, a descendant of Korean independence leader Kim Gu and a member of the Democratic Party, condemned Japanese Minister Takaiichi Sanae's repeated claims that Dokdo is Japanese territory, labeling it an 'unacceptable slander.' This criticism surfaced on October 14, shortly after Takaiichi stated during a session in Japan's House of Representatives that Japan would work to firmly establish the perception of Dokdo as Japanese territory in the international community. Takaiichi also discussed plans for higher-level government ministerial participation concerning 'Takeshima Day,' in which the Japanese government previously had only sent lower-level officials.

Kim expressed concerns about the recent situation on Dokdo, which has seen its last resident pass away, leaving the island uninhabited. He highlighted that the late Mr. Kim Shin-yeol, the last island resident, was a symbol of South Korea's effective control over Dokdo, participating in fishing and exercising his voting rights in the area. Kim warned that Japan could leverage this situation to justify its claims over Dokdo, emphasizing the need for South Korea to take action.

In light of these developments, Kim urged the South Korean government to recognize the seriousness of the matter and to take measures to ensure that Dokdo does not remain uninhabited. He stressed the importance of maintaining a presence on the island as a counter to Japan's provocative claims, calling for immediate steps to sustain the lineage of residents on Dokdo, seen as vital to maintaining South Korea's claim to the territory.