The DPRK NOC claims inclusion of the islands on the map looked to realise Japan’s "territorial ambition" ©Getty Images

The Olympic Committee of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK NOC) has weighed in on the ongoing Tokyo 2020 map dispute by criticising Japan for referencing South Korea-controlled islands as part of the host nation for the Olympic Games.

Organisers of the Olympics here sparked controversy when they decided to feature the group of small islets, known neutrally as the Liancourt Rocks, in the Sea of Japan on the Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay map.

South Korea controls the islands, which are known as Dokdo in the country, while Japan refers to them as Takeshima.

Speaking to state-run Korean Central News Agency, a spokesman for DPRK NOC urged the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to correct the map, claiming the inclusion of the islands on the map looked to realise Japan’s "territorial ambition" and "intolerable provocation violating the sovereignty of the Korean nation".

Last month, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in South Korea expressed "deep regret" over the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) response to its letter protesting Japan's inclusion of the disputed islands on the map.

The IOC revealed it had spoken to Tokyo 2020 but was told it was a "purely topographical expression" with "no political motivation whatsoever".

South Korea controls the islands, which are known as Dokdo in the country, but Japan recognises them as part of its own territory ©Getty Images
South Korea controls the islands, which are known as Dokdo in the country, but Japan recognises them as part of its own territory ©Getty Images

In line with the United Nations' exclusive economic zone rule, nations can fish within 200 nautical miles of their coastline.

Natural gas may also be extracted from the islands.

The diplomatic row between South Korea and Japan has been a constant presence in the build-up to the postponed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, set to open on July 23.

Yesterday, South Korea’s Olympic team were told to remove banners hung on balconies at the Athletes’ Village in Tokyo after its message upset officials from a far-right Japanese political party.

It is claimed the words on the signage made reference to the comments made by Admiral Yi Sun-sin before he and his fleet defeated the Japanese navy in 1597, despite being outnumbered.

The message on South Korea’s banners irked members of the minor National Party of Japan who accused them of making an overtly political display and claimed it was anti-Japanese.

The Korean Sport and Olympic Committee was asked to take the signage down by the IOC which raised concerns over the message displayed on them.

North Korea in April announced it would not attend the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, citing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.