The 18th general assembly of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) opened in Monaco on Monday, local time.

The meeting will rule on the use of the "East Sea" as a dual name for the body of water between the Korean Peninsula and Japan in the revised edition of the IHO's publication, the "Limits of Oceans and Seas."

Currently, the body of water east of Korea is solely labeled the "Sea of Japan."

The head of the South’s delegation to the meeting, Paik Ji-ah, said that as the area qualifies as a labeling conflict zone, the body of water should be labeled both as “East Sea” and “Sea of Japan.”

North Korea's delegation also supported the South’s position.

In response, Japan’s delegation reiterated its claim that there is no reason to change the label which has been commonly used as an international standard.

The issue of whether to use “East Sea” will be discussed through working-level meetings until Wednesday before a final decision is reached during the general meeting on Friday.