refutation

 Criticisms of the ownership of Block 7 have always existed. Opponents argue that the process of obtaining ownership of Block 7 is complicated and that claiming Block 7 has the potential to negatively change diplomatic relations with Japan and China. However, this is an unfair argument given South Korea's lack of resources. As an economy as a whole, South Korea is highly dependent on oil, ranking first in oil consumption (5.7 barrels of oil per $10,000 of GDP) and fourth in per capita oil consumption (18.0 barrels of oil per capita) among OECD member countries (37 countries) as of 2020. Even if we were to win only a small portion of Block 7 through diplomatic maneuvering, it would be a huge gain. China is also in an adversarial relationship with us. China has an enormous advantage by holding onto Block 7. China has already unilaterally installed 16 oil and gas fields in the western part of Block 7, and is continuing to develop more in 2018. It has even been confirmed that the 12th of these installations is equipped with surface-to-air radars for maritime patrol vessels, surveillance cameras, and even a helicopter landing pad, suggesting that it could be used for military purposes. It would be highly unreasonable to give them such vast resources untouched. 

It will not be easy for South Korea to resolve these issues, but it is very appropriate for South Korea to assert its ownership of the seven blocks given the resources they contain. In March 2020, it was confirmed that the South Korean government was reactivating the development of Block 7 after 34 years of neglect due to a joint development treaty with Japan.  Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy decided to reopen the 7 blocks on the continental shelf, and on January 2, it was confirmed that Korea National Oil Corporation was appointed as the developer. Also, even if the agreement is finished, it does not immediately become Japanese territorial waters. There is no reason for South Korea to agree to this, and in fact, it is in principle not to go to court, as it requires the consent of both countries. From Japan's point of view, it is a blank slate of an agreement that was signed when South Korea was in an advantageous position, and Japan wants to create a favorable situation, but Japan cannot immediately go to court and make it its territorial waters just because the agreement is over.