South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called Japan a “partner” in tackling security and economic challenges as he marked the anniversary of the nation’s 1919 independence movement against Japanese colonial rule on March 1, 2023. South Korea’s conservative political forces, some of whose root goes back to pro-Japanese betrayers during the colonial era, have often showed tendency to come closer and get friendly with Japan, sparking anger from the South Korean public.

Why Koreans Hold Such Deep Resentment Towards Japan? Painful Past & Lack of Sincere Apology

Korea and Japan share a long and complicated history, and their relationship has been marked by tension, bitterness, and resentment. While the two countries have established economic ties and cultural exchanges, their relationship remains clouded by Japan’s brutal past of imperialism and its reluctance to offer a genuine apology for its war crimes. In this article, we will delve into the reasons why Koreans harbor such deep-seated animosity towards Japan and how the legacy of Japan’s past actions continue to impact relations between the two countries today.

Historical Background

Korea and Japan have been intertwined since ancient times, with cultural and political exchanges dating back over a thousand years. However, Japan’s annexation of Korea in 1910 marked the beginning of a dark period in Korean history, which lasted until Japan’s defeat in World War II in 1945. During this time, Korea suffered from brutal Japanese colonial rule, with many Koreans subjected to forced labor, sexual slavery, torture, and execution.

Sexual Slavery

Sexual slavery in Korea and China and other countries during the Japanese Imperialistic era refers to the system of “comfort women” that Japan established to provide sexual services to its military personnel from 1932 to 1945. According to a United Nations report, some 200,000 Korean women and girls were forced into this system of “military sexual slavery” and suffered physical and psychological abuse. Many other women from China, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines and other Asian countries were also victimized by this system. The issue of “comfort women” has been a source of diplomatic tension between Japan and its former colonies, especially South Korea and China, as they demand Japan’s official apology and compensation for the survivors.

Forced Labor

Forced labor of Koreans during Japanese colonialism refers to the exploitation and abuse of Korean workers by Japan from 1910 to 1945. According to historians, Japan forcibly mobilized around 30,000 Koreans as workers on Sakhalin Island, and nearly 725,000 Koreans in Japan and its other colonies. Japan also forced hundreds of thousands of Korean women into sexual slavery as “comfort women” for its military brothels. This is a tragic and controversial history that still affects the relations between Japan and South Korea today. (Note that the figures may differ depending on records and research institutions.)

March 1 Independence Movement in 1919

The March 1 Independence Movement was a peaceful protest against Japanese colonialism that took place in Korea on March 1, 1919. It was inspired by the death of Emperor Gojong, who was seen as a symbol of independence, and by the principles of self-determination proclaimed by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson. The movement involved more than 1,500 demonstrations across the country, with about 2 million participants. The protesters declared Korea’s independence and demanded Japan’s withdrawal. However, the movement was brutally suppressed by the Japanese military, which killed thousands of Koreans and arrested many more. Despite its failure to achieve immediate independence, the movement sparked a wave of resistance movements inside and outside Korea, and inspired other colonized peoples around the world.

Why do Koreans hold deep resentment towards Japan? Learn about the historical background, Japan's reluctance to apologize, and the impact on modern relations. #Korea #Japan #history #warcrimes #apology

Japan's Reluctance to Apologize

While Japan has made some apologies for its wartime atrocities, its sincerity and consistency have been questioned by many Koreans. In particular, Japan's refusal to offer an adequate apology for its use of Korean women as sex slaves, euphemistically referred to as “comfort women,” has been a major source of contention. Despite numerous international calls for Japan to apologize and compensate the victims, the Japanese government has maintained that the issue has been resolved and that any further demands for compensation are unwarranted. This lack of contrition has fueled resentment among Koreans and has led to a growing movement calling for a boycott of Japanese goods and services. 

Impact on Modern Relations

The legacy of Japan's past actions continues to impact relations between Korea and Japan today. Although the two countries have made some efforts to reconcile, such as the signing of a 2015 agreement aimed at resolving the “comfort women” issue, tensions remain high. The dispute over the Dokdo islands, which both countries claim as their own, further exacerbates the already strained relations. Additionally, Japan’s recent decision to release contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean has sparked outrage in Korea, with many Koreans expressing concerns about the environmental impact on their country.

Some scholars suggest that South Korea’s conservative political forces have been accused of being pro-Japanese or having ties with pro-Japanese collaborators during the colonial period by their opponents, especially the progressive or nationalist forces. It is a controversial issue, but at least it is true that some conservative politicians including several former presidents showed more friendly moves towards Japan than progressive ones over the past decades.

In conclusion, the long and complicated history between Korea and Japan has left deep scars that continue to affect their relationship today. While economic and cultural exchanges between the two countries have flourished, the legacy of Japan's brutal past of imperialism and its reluctance to offer a genuine apology for its war crimes continues to impact their relationship. It is important for both countries to acknowledge and address these issues if they hope to move towards a more positive and cooperative future.