Why now? ”Takeshima” model removed from subway station in Seoul, South Korea

In the run-up to Liberation Day (the day commemorating liberation from colonial rule) in South Korea, signs depicting Takeshima (known as Liancourt Rocks in Korea) have been installed at several subway stations in Seoul, including Jamsil Station and Anguk Station.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Transportation Corporation on the 14th, the model of Takeshima at Jamsil Station was removed on the 8th of this month. The model of Takeshima at Anguk Station was removed on the 12th.
The models installed in three locations, at City Hall Station, Itaewon Station, and Gimpo Airport Station, still remain.
It was 14 years ago that the model of Takeshima first appeared in the history of the subway.
Back in 2009, when criticism of Japan's distortion of history in its claim to the Takeshima Islands grew, the Seoul City Council passed a resolution calling for the formulation of measures to protect the island.
The following year, the Seoul Metro (now the Seoul Metropolitan Transportation Corporation) installed a model of Takeshima, created and donated by Gangnam Design Models, at Jamsil Station, City Hall Station, Jongno 3-ga Station, and Itaewon Station.
The model was installed at five locations, including Gimpo Airport Station and Jongno 3-ga Station. The model was later moved to Anguk Station. At the time of installation, Seoul Metro said, "We hope that more people will take an interest in the Liancourt Rocks issue.
The Seoul Metropolitan Subway Corporation said the sudden removal of the 15-year-old model was a preemptive safety measure.
However, the Takeshima model, which is 1.8m wide, 1.1m long and 0.9m high, has been installed for 15 years without any problems.
Some people are finding it difficult to understand the Seoul Metropolitan Transportation Corporation's position, given that the sign was installed in a place with a high traffic volume so that many people could see it.
With the Liberation Day celebrations approaching and the controversy over the appointment of the director of the Independence Hall of Korea and the Foundation Day debate spreading, the removal of the model of Takeshima has caused a stir, but the Seoul Metropolitan Transportation Corporation stressed that it had no political intentions.