Pyongyang, September 7 (KCNA) -- Prof. and Dr. Jo Hui Sung, 59, director of the History Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences, issued an article laying bare the unreasonableness of the designation of the East Sea of Korea as "sea of Japan."

The full text of the first installment of the article reads:

It is sheer sophism for Japan to claim that the designation of the East Sea of Korea as "Japan Sea" is in line with what it called international custom and practice.

The designation of "Japan Sea" was recorded first at the International Hydrographic Organization in 1929 during the colonial rule of the Japanese imperialists over Korea due to Japan's plot. The designation reflects the criminal history of Japan in the past.

Japan is talking about custom and practice as it pleases to justify the above-said unreasonable designation. However, such far-fetched assertion can never work in this bright world.

In fact, the designation of the East Sea of Korea is right in the light of international custom and practice. This is proved by historical facts.

It is the universal principle and practice to designate geographical objects by the name of the relevant areas which had been used generation after generation. According to this principle and practice, the designation of the "Sea of Korea" should be used as it was because it has the longest history.

From the dawn of human civilization Korean ancestors had lived on the Korean Peninsula and in its vicinity, conquering the sea. They explored the sea east of Korea before any others and disseminated advanced culture and technology in different countries including Japan. They called the sea explored by them "Sea of Korea" or "East Sea". There are a lot of historical data proving this.

The designation of "East Sea" is mentioned in hundreds of places in "Chronicles of Three States," "Heritage of Three States," "History of Koryo Dynasty" and "Chronicles of Ri Dynasty," classical books of Korea.

Korean ancestors, understanding the importance and significance of map in life before any others, produced and used maps and sent them to other countries. The sea east of Korea is clearly marked as "East Sea" in the old maps. The designation of "East Sea" is made in Korea's watch map "Northwest Chart", "General Map of Our Country", "Ryongam Map" and others compiled in the 1700s and other maps including "Chonhado Map" compiled in the latter half of the 18th century. Such designation can be found on the Monument of King Kwanggaetho erected in 414. There are too many historical facts to cite.