[/floatl]OhMyNews: Jo Oh-ryeun's '33 Circles Around Dokdo'
Despite the recent actions of Japan and the United States towards the territorial dispute over Dokdo, there are still people who still act to protect Dokdo with every means. Jo Oh-ryeun (56), dubbed "Asia's Seal" is one among them. Jo will swim around Dokdo island 33 times on July 30. Thirty-three circles represents the 33 national representatives who signed onto March 1 Korea's Declaration of Independence. Its aim was to declare solidarity against Japanese imperialism. Jo began his quest on June 1 by swimming his first lap, at about 5 to 6 km. Since then he has swam 31 circles until July 28. Given the strong waves in the waters around Dokdo, one circle around the island probably equals a marathon. Dokdo was once inhabited by seals, but due to massive hunting down by Japanese sailors the seals have long since disappeared. There is further significance to the "Asian Seal" Jo Oh-ryeun's swim around the island. As soon as Jo starts his last lap around the island, dancers will perform on the island to commemorate his feat. The world-renowned "Battle of the Year" breakdance champion team "Last for One," and Sookmyung University's Gayageum Team (twelve-stringed Korean harp), will be performing during the ceremony to express their love for Dokdo. People may take the ferry to Dokdo to see the events but OhmyNews wanted to make it available to a wider audience through the net. OhmyTV will live-webcast from Dokdo tomorrow at 2 p.m. on July 30, Jo Oh-ryeun's "33 Circles around Dokdo Project" and "Last For One" celebration...more...
