The BBC reports today on a Korean protester who has covered himself in 187,000 live bees to represent the 187,000 square meters of disputed oceanic rock known as Dokdo in Korean and Takeshima in Japanese. “The honeybee dares to abandon its life when enemies are attempting to attack, to protect its own home,” explains Ahn Sang-Gyu, who is known for beekeeping stunts. “From now on, I hope these bees will contribute to protect our Dokdo.” This may be even weirder than simply cutting off your finger in protest, although it’s ultimately less drastic.
Visit Wkipedia to find out more than you ever wanted to know about the Liancourt Rocks (the most neutral name available for the disputed islets) and the rival claims to them. As to why people care enough to put themselves through serious personal harm over the issue, though, I just can’t work it out.
Also published on Medium.