Korea, U.S. to Use 'Neutral' Expression for East Sea

Seoul and Washington have agreed to use a "neutral" expression in regards to the body of water between Korea and Japan in a joint statement to be adopted during a high level meeting this Wednesday.

According to diplomatic sources on Sunday, the statement details plans for Korea-U.S. joint military drills in the East and West Seas and will describe the venues as the "waters off the east and west coast of the Korean Peninsula."

This comes after Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell recently called the East Sea the "Sea of Japan" during a press briefing announcing plans for the joint military exercises, causing great controversy in Korea.