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Despite repeated warnings from Korea, Japan went ahead with its so-called "Takeshima Day"
celebrations last Friday.
And on Monday, independent Korean businesses responded, by proposing what could become
the biggest nationwide boycott of Japanese products in the nation's history.
Yoo Li-an reports. This Friday will mark Korea's Independence Day, when the nation commemorates
its independence from Japan's 35 years of colonial rule.
But this year, the day won't be dedicated solely to celebrations.
Korean businesses have said they will begin a nationwide protest on Friday against the
latest provocation by Japan over the Dokdo Islets.
The nation's Save Local Stores Alliance, a civic group that is comprised of around 6-million
independent businesses, announced Monday that it will not buy or sell Japanese goods beginning
March 1st.
"Japan has consistently provoked us in the past but never to the extent that it did last
Friday. That event was attended by 18 lawmakers and even a vice-ministerial level official.
We decided we couldn't stand still in the face of such actions."
Included on the list are products from eight different companies, including a Japanese
brand of cigarettes and a Japanese beer, both of which are highly popular among Korean consumers.
"Civic groups have boycotted against Japanese products in the past, but this boycott is
the largest ever. Businesses that are taking part in this action handle about 80-percent
or the majority of Japanese imports into Korea."
The organizations say they will also encourage consumers to refrain from buying Japanese
goods by posting pamphlets like these at participating stores, asking for their active participation
in the boycott movement. But the public conveyed mixed feelings about
the latest announcement.
"I don't agree with independent businesses boycotting Japanese goods. I know that the
Japanese government is wrong for not admitting its past, but this will only limit consumers'
choices."
"I heard that some of the profit from imported Japanese goods goes to promoting what they're
calling the Takeshima islands in Japan. I am all for this boycott, and I will participate
as well."
The organization says they will begin actively campaigning against the consumption of Japanese
products until the Japanese government offers an official apology.
Yoo Li-an, Arirang News.