Netflix Series Sparks Applause for Accurate ‘Dokdo’ Labeling
The recently released Netflix variety show No Official English Name Found has generated significant online buzz for its accurate depiction and labeling of Dokdo, a group of islets with geopolitical significance to South Korea.
In its sixth episode, released on June 15, the show follows a father-son duo touring Dokdo, proudly waving the South Korean flag. Remarkably, the islets were labeled as ‘Dokdo’ in Korean, ‘DOKDO’ in English, and ‘独島 (ドクト)’ in Japanese, aligning with South Korea’s official stance on the islets’ naming.
The program features No Official English Name Found—better known as 기안84—along with global superstar Jin of BTS and actress Jiyeon. All three host international guests in a unique lodging experience located in Ulleungdo, close to Dokdo. With more than 2 million views between June 7 and 13, the show climbed to number six on Netflix’s global non-English TV chart.
Netflix had previously been embroiled in controversies related to geopolitical labeling—such as using ‘Sea of Japan’ instead of ‘East Sea’ and referring to ‘Kimchi’ as ‘Pao Cai,’ a Chinese-style fermented vegetable dish. In this context, their decision to correctly label Dokdo has gained widespread approval.
Professor Seo Gyeong-deok of Sungshin Women’s University commended the move, stating, “Accurate international portrayal of Dokdo is a positive step. No other country can showcase Dokdo to global audiences via cultural content like we can.”
Seo also emphasized the need to counter false claims made by Japan and to strengthen global promotion of Dokdo through various forms of pop culture such as variety shows, dramas, and films.
