Reply to comments by H. Mashima on ‘Evolution of the eastern margin of Korea: constraints on the opening of the East Sea (Japan Sea)’ by Kim et al. [Tectonophysics 436 (2007) 37–55]

We thank H. Mashima for his interest in our recent article in Tectonophysics Kim, H.J., Lee, G.H., Jou, H.T., Cho, H.M., Yoo, H.S., Park, G.T., Kim, J.S., 2007, Evolution of the eastern margin of Korea: Constraints on the opening of the East Sea (Japan Sea). Tectonophysics 436, 37–55.] and welcome the opportunity to respond to his comments. In our article we suggested that the southern part of the East Sea (Japan Sea) opened principally in the southeast direction in response to the northwestward subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Japan Arc. In contrast, Mashima claims that the opening of the East Sea was achieved in the south–southeast direction. However, there are many crucial things in his comments that we find scientifically unconvincing and misleading. In this reply, we give a detailed response to his comments.