S Korean president's office defends his viral Japan comments

That's a rather rosy assessment of history. For most of this period literature, medicine, religion, philosophy, etc. flowed from Mainland Asia through Korea to Japan. There wasn't much giving back until recently. Japan also invaded Korea in the 7th, 16th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Having said all of that, Japan should not need to kneel in order to improve relations. It is time to move on and work for a more prosperous and peaceful East Asia.

One study says there were brutal colonial relationship, another study says the opposite. It’s 100 years ago. Maybe no one knows the truth.

Let’s respect each other and look for the bright future. There are many big issues we should work together now.

Japan and Korea don’t have a choice.

They either work together for common interest or be steamrolled by China-even self interested politicians on both sides are beginning to wake up to reality

The new Korean president seems to be a sensible, forward looking man. Hopefully the ties between the two countries will improve and deepen. During the 36 years of the “brutal” Japanese rule, the population of Korea more than doubled and the literacy rate jumped from less than 5% to nearly 90%.

Two things. First I respect this South Korean president for being thoughtful and forward thinking, realizing that just complaining about the past and villainizing Japan does nothing for either country, all the while knowing that it is not politically advantageous back home. I wish Japan would be a little more accommodating towards South Korea and try to help smooth relations between the two countries, that will ensure that the relationship continues to grow and strengthen. But as we saw a few days ago, many of the top gov't officials were at Yasukuni shrine offering gifts, which always antagonizes Korea and Japan. Just cool it a bit guys!

President Yoon is correct : Japan should not have to kneel down, bow or apologize to Korea. Those colonial times are long over - furthermore, Japan brought Korea into the developed world - becoming only the second Asian nation (after Japan) to have that status.

Sadly the Korean media will always be biased against Japan and they will continue to brainwash the Citizens to remain vehemently anti-Japan. That will never change and only a fool would think differently.

It's been said a million times...

Germany is sincerely sorry for starting the war.

Japan is sincerely sorry for losing it.

In a way this incident is fortunate, because it brings into the light the deep differences between what the South Korean politicians want about the relationships between the two countries and what the general population of SK want, which apparently is very different.

There would be no point in making big advances, deals, promises with representatives just for everything to be scrapped at the next election when the people reject this approach and elect instead someone that will take a much harder line. It would be much more productive to cooperate when both nations (not only their representatives) are fine with doing it.

Yoon is Korea's first truly enlightened President - one who understands that irrespective of some difficult history, Japan and Korea have much more in common these days - and it's in both nation's interest to look forward, not backward...

Both are flourishing democracies in a tough neighborhood, facing multiple belligerent totalitarian governments armed with nuclear weapons.

Unfortunately in Korea, certain politicians and the media continue to pander to anti-Japanese hate to further their own agendas - typically votes and money...

A strong Japan-South Korea partnership will have benefits for both nation's citizens...

I'm finding myself respecting President Yoon Suk Yeol more and more. He's talking sense here.

I really hope he can stay in power since both Japan and S Korea would greatly benefit.

What ever happened to the word Forgive for peace sake??

This article does a poor job of explaining Yoon's gaff.

Yoon stated HE could not accept the idea of Japan having to kneel to apologize in Washington Post's article.

Yoon's spokesperson claimed the article was a mistranslation and insisted that Yoon stated JAPAN could not accept the idea of Japan having to kneel down.

Washington Post released the full original transcript of the interview in response, which affirmed it was YOON who could not accept the idea of Japan kneeling down and not JAPAN, thereby strengthening Yoon's domestic reputation as a hardcore traitor. Yoon's current nickname in Korea is "Traitor Yoon".

He is so right and it is a great thing that SK finally has a leader who understands that they have to move on and work together. People to people relationships between SK and Japan are actually very good but, as always, it's a small, vocal group who want to move backwards. Just hope he can see out his term in office and get the two countries closer again.

President Yoon is right in saying Japan must not kneel and everything else Fighto mentioned above.

Sadly, the Korean population have been brainwashed into believing Japan bad for way too long. It'll take some time to reverse that effect. Also, not everyone is anti-Japan.

deanzaZZRToday  06:53 am JST

That's a rather rosy assessment of history. For most of this period literature, medicine, religion, philosophy, etc. flowed from Mainland Asia through Korea to Japan. There wasn't much giving back until recently. Japan also invaded Korea in the 7th, 16th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Wow, that's a mountain of false information there. The various Chinese Dynasties were the source of cultural influence, and the Korean penninsula was simply a conduit. As early as the 600's AD Japan was sending cultural missions to the Sui and Tang Dynasties.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_missions_to_Sui_China

Korea itself which were several nations ontheir own maintained a tributary relationship and received the same cultural influence from the Chinese dynasties,

No-Japan did not invade Korea in the 7th century. They sent troops to assist, and at the request of the Baekche kingdom to fight the Silla Kingdom which was allied with Tang China.

Yes-Japan did invade Korea under Hideyoshi whose aim was to fight Ming China by going through Korea.An aim never achieved despite 2 attempts.

No- Japan did not invade Korea in the 1800s. They were fighting Qing China, and both nations fought mostly in Korea. Some Koreans fought on Japan's side and one of the demands made by victorious Japan on the defeated China ws that they recognize Korean sovereignty and free them from the tributary relationship.

No- Japan did not invade Korea in the 20th century. In 1904 both Japan and Russia sent troops into the Korean Penninsula. In 1910 Korea was annexed by Japan, an act which was only accomplished because some Koreans supported it while some were against it. It was not an invasion and internationally recognized and accepted as legal. From 1910 to 1945 over 200,000 Koreans willingly served in the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces, as it was not until Spring of 1944 that conscription was implemented on the Korean Penninsula.

So the only time that Japan "invaded" Korea, and both sides actually fought each other is during the two attempted invasions under Hideyoshi.

Please do some actual studying of history instead of posting nonsense.

The Republic of Korea (South Korea) was the Korean Government in Exile during WWII and put into power by the Allied victors upon Imperial Japan's surrender. But the basis of the Korean Govt in Exile was resistance and liberation from Japanese colonial rule. So there has always been an anti-Japan undertone since the creation of South Korea. Which is why anti-Japan sentiment has lingered and grown out of proportion in South Korea. China saw this i the 1980s and when their Premier visited South Korea he said that "China and Korea have a shared victimhood of Japanese Imperialism". China and North Korea have benefited from SK's anto-Japan stance which grew beyond public opinion into an actual political and diplomatic tool.

Anti-Japan sentiment grew so much in SK society that their education system, textbooks taught a one-sided version of history that simply villified Japan at every turn, ignoring any benefits gained from their relationsip. In fact the former President Park Geun-hye was moving towards correcting SK textbooks in this regard when she was taken down by her political enemies. And to this day, we are seeing President Yoon attacked by the opposition which continues to fan anti-Japan sentiment as a political tool. A large portion of the SK public believe that Japan needs to "apologize" despite numerous documented apologies.

Both Japan and the US have complete faith in President Yoon's sincerity and respect for his insight and courage in turning SK policy towards Japan around. Especially after his NK appeasing predecessor Moon destroyed SK/JPN relations to the point of near no-return.

SK's future as a succesful nation going forward rests up the extent of cultural and societal "cleansing" the Yoon administration can accomplish before 2027 when the next SK president will be elected.

They either work together for common interest or be steamrolled by China-even self interested politicians on both sides are beginning to wake up to reality.

If China occupies Japan, Korea will be completely surrounded and cut off. It is in Korea's self-interest to cooperate and help defend Japan.

MarkXToday  07:51 am JST

But as we saw a few days ago, many of the top gov't officials were at Yasukuni shrine offering gifts, which always antagonizes Korea and Japan. Just cool it a bit guys!

There are 21,181 Koreans enshrined at Yasukuni.

The first step towards improving SK/JPN relations is to face facts, not narratives.

This all sounds very "Game of Thrones" like, with kneeling being needed by some for improved relations. Perhaps such actions are best kept to the movies, and in real life a solid hand shake will suffice.

Europe was able to cooperate together "only after Germany had atoned sincerely over a long period of time. Has Japan done the same?" another wrote.

Some have attempted to atone, but this has been damaged when followed up by attempts to question whether atrocities actually happened and trying to alter history to lessen the shame on Japan.

It would be like Germany atoning and then an ex Nazi member currently in parliament (in the late 1940's to 1980's) questioning the details. That never happened in Germany and laws were made specifically to punish those trying to deny the truth of the holocaust.

Shame is viewed differently between the culture of Germany and Japan and that comes into play here with the ability to atone and mean it sincerely without trying to downplay events to seem not as bad as portrayed.

OssanAmericaToday  11:14 am JST

deanzaZZRToday  06:53 am JST

That's a rather rosy assessment of history. For most of this period literature, medicine, religion, philosophy, etc. flowed from Mainland Asia through Korea to Japan. There wasn't much giving back until recently. Japan also invaded Korea in the 7th, 16th, 19th and 20th centuries.

Wow, that's a mountain of false information there. The various Chinese Dynasties were the source of cultural influence, and the Korean penninsula was simply a conduit. As early as the 600's AD Japan was sending cultural missions to the Sui and Tang Dynasties.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_missions_to_Sui_China

Korea itself which were several nations ontheir own maintained a tributary relationship and received the same cultural influence from the Chinese dynasties,

*No-Japan did not invade Korea in the 7th century. They sent troops to assist, and at the request of the Baekche kingdom to fight the Silla Kingdom which was allied with Tang China.*

*Yes-Japan did invade Korea under Hideyoshi whose aim was to fight Ming China by going through Korea.An aim never achieved despite 2 attempts.*

*No- Japan did not invade Korea in the 1800s. They were fighting Qing China, and both nations fought mostly in Korea. Some Koreans fought on Japan's side and one of the demands made by victorious Japan on the defeated China ws that they recognize Korean sovereignty and free them from the tributary relationship.*

*No- Japan did not invade Korea in the 20th century. In 1904 both Japan and Russia sent troops into the Korean Penninsula. In 1910 Korea was annexed by Japan, an act which was only accomplished because some Koreans supported it while some were against it. It was not an invasion and internationally recognized and accepted as legal. From 1910 to 1945 over 200,000 Koreans willingly served in the Imperial Japanese Armed Forces, as it was not until Spring of 1944 that conscription was implemented on the Korean Penninsula.*

So the only time that Japan "invaded" Korea, and both sides actually fought each other is during the two attempted invasions under Hideyoshi.

Please do some actual studying of history instead of posting nonsense.

And how many times did Korea invade Japan. Zero.

It's ironic that you'd take the opportunity of Yoon's attempt to normalize and move forward by doing exactly what causes friction between the two countries in the first place: Political Whitewashing.

You're clearly one of those who believe than Japan's Coprosperity Sphere was benevolent in nature; to help Asian nations against western hegemony, when it was clearly a militaristic objective to conquer territory and steal resources. It's a pure Japanese right wing stance.

All those treaties leading up to the annexation of Korea by Japan are officially recognized as 'unfair treaties' under gunboat diplomacy. Imperial Japan's relations with Korea were with one political Korean faction; the Joseon Dynasty and was opposed by Korean emperor Gojong and his supporters. Japan merely used Korea's political instability to invade Korea leading up to WWII. And while some Korean men did serve in the Japanese military, not all did so voluntarily. Coercion and extreme poverty clearly played a role. Before making unsubstantiated and bogus claims from only the Japanese perspective, perhaps you should refer to more impartial sources such as Brandon Palmer's book, Fighting for the Enemy - Koreans in Japan's War 1937 - 1945. It paints a different picture and provides more details from a more impartial, neutral perspective.

That there were so many attempts by Japan to militarily invade and conquer Korean throughout history, clearly point to one-sided aggression regardless of bogus diplomatic relations and treaties not signed by a unilateral Korea. The same thing could be repeated for every Asian country Japan militarily invaded leading up to and during WWII.

It's the political extremists on both sides in Korea and Japan like you, who are responsible for prolonging hatred and the inability for both countries to move forward. You're part of the problem not part of the solution.

@OssanAmerica Too funny. We agree on most of the facts but your lens is purely a Japanese nationalist one. The perspectives on the historical record from Korea and China are very different. Of course the Japan lovers here support you. History is not science. You certainly have the right to your views but stop pretending to be the arbiter of truth.

Your disregard for any Korea accomplishment is quite startling to be honest.

It is not Japanese nationalists but Korean nationalists who are twisting the facts?

For example, the other day, there was a news report in Japan that a Korean nationalist gave a lecture in Sado Island. They used the term "forced labor" without any evidence and appealed to Japan to "admit that they forced Koreans to work and apologize. However, the only evidence that Koreans were working on Sado Island was the tobacco ration records they were receiving from Japan at the time.

I don't think it can be said that the Koreans were forced laborers, since they were still receiving rations of cigarettes, a luxury item at the time, but they claim that the list is tantamount to a list of forced laborers.

MilesTegToday  12:53 pm JST

And how many times did Korea invade Japan. Zero.

Twice for sure. The Mongols had invaded theKorean Pennindula 9 times between 1231-1257 and Koreans formed part of the Yuan Dynasty fleet that invaded Japan twice in 1274 and 1281.

In 1274 the Yuan invasion force was composed of 15,000 Mongol, Han Chinese, and Jurchen soldiers, 6,000 to 8,000 Korean troops, and 7,000 Korean sailors. In 1281 the Yuan fleet comprised of Two fleets, one, a force of 900 ships from Korea and 3,500 ships from Southern China with a combined force of 142,000 soldiers and sailors.

Then there is the mass migration of the Yaoi people from the Korean Penninsula 400BC-300AD, who displaced the indigenous native Jomon people. An invasion on a far greater scale and over a greater time than any later military invasions.

All those treaties leading up to the annexation of Korea by Japan are officially recognized as 'unfair treaties' under gunboat diplomacy. 

Officially ??? When and how and by whom?

deanzaZZRToday  12:55 pm JST

@OssanAmerica Too funny. We agree on most of the facts but your lens is purely a Japanese nationalist one. 

Citing actual recorded historical facts is not "nationalist" in any way. What's funny is you making up nonsense and posting them as "facts".

I am an openly declared Amercan nationalist, And if you're not totally naive you should know who backs Japan's "nationalists". Sorry if that obstructs your CCP inspired nationalism.

This article does a poor job of explaining Yoon's gaff.

Welcome to the wonderful world of state-affiliated Kyodo "journalism" where facts are never allowed to interfere with propaganda.

https://twitter.com/JonReinsch/status/1624150161336467456

OssanAmericaToday  01:38 pm JST

MilesTegToday  12:53 pm JST

And how many times did Korea invade Japan. Zero.

Twice for sure. The Mongols had invaded theKorean Pennindula 9 times between 1231-1257 and Koreans formed part of the Yuan Dynasty fleet that invaded Japan twice in 1274 and 1281.

In 1274 the Yuan invasion force was composed of 15,000 Mongol, Han Chinese, and Jurchen soldiers, 6,000 to 8,000 Korean troops, and 7,000 Korean sailors. In 1281 the Yuan fleet comprised of Two fleets, one, a force of 900 ships from Korea and 3,500 ships from Southern China with a combined force of 142,000 soldiers and sailors.

Then there is the mass migration of the Yaoi people from the Korean Penninsula 400BC-300AD, who displaced the indigenous native Jomon people. An invasion on a far greater scale and over a greater time than any later military invasions.

Those were Chinese and Mongol invasions not Korean. The Jomon period and people were hunter gatherers from 14,000 to 300 BCE and they are genetically the Ainu people of today. It wasn't even Japan. Ironic that the modern Japanese have done more to wipe out the Ainu than any supposed foreign invasion that occurred in the Paleolithic to Neolithic periods. You're seriously using this as an example?

Japanese right wing whitewashing and denial is just as responsible for the ongoing hatred as the crazy, Korean nationalists. You probably think that the attack on Pearl Harbour was justified too. As long as there are people who refuse to admit Japan's military, aggressive colonial invasions, there will be extremist Koreans, Chinese, and other Asians who refuse to let go of the past.

South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol days are numbered as most of the older generation Koreans ( who make up the most voters ) feel offended about his behavior and kindness towards the Japanese Government recently. Don’t be surprised if he ends up in prison as well as South Korea has a tendency to charge and jail even the presidents. They’ll make up some charges against him such as abuse of office or something else and throw him in prison for his super coziness towards Japan!

Samit Basu:

Washington Post released the full original transcript of the interview in response, which affirmed it was YOON who could not accept the idea of Japan kneeling down and not JAPAN, thereby strengthening Yoon's domestic reputation as a hardcore traitor. Yoon's current nickname in Korea is "Traitor Yoon".

A good man. He is called "traintor" by those people; that means, he must be doing a good job.

MilesTegToday  02:33 pm JST

Those were Chinese and Mongol invasions not Korean. The Jomon period and people were hunter gatherers from 14,000 to 300 BCE and they are genetically the Ainu people of today. It wasn't even Japan. Ironic that the modern Japanese have done more to wipe out the Ainu than any supposed foreign invasion that occurred in the Paleolithic to Neolithic periods. You're seriously using this as an example?

15,000 Korean soldiers and sailors in the first invasion alone. This is the same argument Korean historical revisionists use to claim Koreans were "victims" in WWII. Koreans were Japanese citizens and they fought against the allies.

Japanese right wing whitewashing and denial is just as responsible for the ongoing hatred as the crazy, Korean nationalists.

Japanese whitewashing of history is nothing compared to South Korean revisionism, denying their role in WWII and pretending to have only been a victim. Koreans in te IJA invaded other Asian nations. The made use of the Comfort Stations. They abused Allied POWs. 149 Koreans were convicted as War Criminals at the Tokyo Trials. A General Hong Sa-Ik was convicted as a Class-A War Criminal and executed.

You probably think that the attack on Pearl Harbour was justified too. As long as there are people who refuse to admit Japan's military, aggressive colonial invasions, there will be extremist Koreans, Chinese, and other Asians who refuse to let go of the past.

You have no idea of my views on Pearl Harbor. Nice strawman. Japan as a nation has openly apologized to all the nations it invaded andfought in WWII, and is today a staunch ally with the nations it actually fought. Japan never fought Korea since the 1500s and Korea was part of Japan 1910-1945.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

Japan has Peace Treaties with Taiwan (ROC), South Korea, China(PRC) and just about everycountry except for Russia.

In 2023 with the world polarized between the Democracies and Autocracies, the hate filled views of such extremists, over 80 year old history that they never experienced themselves, have zero signficance.

OssanAmericaToday  03:26 pm JST

MilesTegToday  02:33 pm JST

Those were Chinese and Mongol invasions not Korean. The Jomon period and people were hunter gatherers from 14,000 to 300 BCE and they are genetically the Ainu people of today. It wasn't even Japan. Ironic that the modern Japanese have done more to wipe out the Ainu than any supposed foreign invasion that occurred in the Paleolithic to Neolithic periods. You're seriously using this as an example?

15,000 Korean soldiers and sailors in the first invasion alone. This is the same argument Korean historical revisionists use to claim Koreans were "victims" in WWII. Koreans were Japanese citizens and they fought against the allies.

Japanese right wing whitewashing and denial is just as responsible for the ongoing hatred as the crazy, Korean nationalists.

Japanese whitewashing of history is nothing compared to South Korean revisionism, denying their role in WWII and pretending to have only been a victim. Koreans in te IJA invaded other Asian nations. The made use of the Comfort Stations. They abused Allied POWs. 149 Koreans were convicted as War Criminals at the Tokyo Trials. A General Hong Sa-Ik was convicted as a Class-A War Criminal and executed.

You probably think that the attack on Pearl Harbour was justified too. As long as there are people who refuse to admit Japan's military, aggressive colonial invasions, there will be extremist Koreans, Chinese, and other Asians who refuse to let go of the past.

You have no idea of my views on Pearl Harbor. Nice strawman. Japan as a nation has openly apologized to all the nations it invaded andfought in WWII, and is today a staunch ally with the nations it actually fought. Japan never fought Korea since the 1500s and Korea was part of Japan 1910-1945.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_war_apology_statements_issued_by_Japan

Japan has Peace Treaties with Taiwan (ROC), South Korea, China(PRC) and just about everycountry except for Russia.

In 2023 with the world polarized between the Democracies and Autocracies, the hate filled views of such extremists, over 80 year old history that they never experienced themselves, have zero signficance.

Not all Koreans were Japanese citizens. In fact they were a minority. There was clear opposition and the majority were against the Japanese invasion. Why else were so many Koreans killed during Japanese occupation.

Not strawman at all. You've posted before on the issue and made excuses trying to justify the attack on Pearl Harbour.

It's not the official Japanese government stance in question here. Spouting them is irrelevant. It's right wing views like yours that attempts to portray Japanese policy during WWII as benevolent, downplay and outright deny true militaristic, colonialist intentions, and make Japan out as victims that contributes to the ongoing refusal to let go of the past. Right wingers are so clued out that they don't realize that their own whitewashed views are partly responsible for the inability to forget the past. In part, you created and continue to fuel nationalist, zealots in Korea. You help to create hate.

MilesTegToday  12:53 pm JST

You're clearly one of those who believe than Japan's Coprosperity Sphere was benevolent in nature,

Again, strawman argument.

All those treaties leading up to the annexation of Korea by Japan are officially recognized as 'unfair treaties' under gunboat diplomacy.

By who? There are no international organizations or forums who consider the 1910 annexation to be unfair or illegal.

And while some Korean men did serve in the Japanese military, not all did so voluntarily. Coercion and extreme poverty clearly played a role.

Conscription on the Korean Penninsula did not start until Spring of 1944 when the tide of the war had turmed against Japan. Nearly all Koreans who joined the Imperial Japanese military did so willingly. Coercion, the favorite Korean world to absolve responsibility, had little to do with Koreans enlisting. They got good pay and could rise in ranks.

https://ww2db.com/person_bio.php?person_id=469

That there were so many attempts by Japan to militarily invade and conquer Korean throughout history,

More nonsense. Apart from the two invasions under Hideyoshi in 1592 and 1596 there were no Japanese "invasions" of Korea. Perhaps you are erroneously counting Wako pirate attacks as an "invasion"? Typical of the product of biased South Korean education,

It's the political extremists on both sides in Korea and Japan like you, who are responsible for prolonging hatred and the inability for both countries to move forward. You're part of the problem not part of the solution.

I am very much part of the solution, as is anyone willing to look at actual facts, instead of bogus.false information as you have provided. Pres Yoon is very much part of the solution. The security of Sout Korea and perhaps the region depends upon Korean people being able to wean themselves from their ingrauined biaes and false history.

"only after Germany had atoned sincerely over a long period of time. Has Japan done the same?"

They absolutely have NOT, but they most certainly should, and not just kneel, but get on the ground, kiss the dirt, and BEG for forgiveness.

South Korea economy is taking a nose dive right now as China is catching up fast in the semiconductor sector, and they've already routed Samsung phones and Korean cars in Chinese market. It's time to pick a side between China and Japan, they have no choice. Of course they will side with Japan, just as 2000 years ago them taking siding with Empress Jingu of Was to counter the big bad Han dynasty

President Yoon was promising for improved Japan-Korea relations. One choice of expression can cause the momentum to collapse.

A good man. He is called "traintor" by those people; that means, he must be doing a good job.

THIS. This IS and has been reality in the history of the peninsula

Those were Chinese and Mongol invasions not Korean. The Jomon period and people were hunter gatherers from 14,000 to 300 BCE and they are genetically the Ainu people of today. It wasn't even Japan.

Wao. How far ancient times you wish to time warp to ? What was even Korea then? What makes you convince whatever was Korea? I would rather propose you to read recent academic findings that Southern part of the peninsula WAS ACTUALLY JAPAN if I am to use what I think it could be they way your brain circuit is run. No wonder you have problems with China about your own fantasy historical world about Norther part of your peninsula.

And while some Korean men did serve in the Japanese military, not all did so voluntarily. Coercion and extreme poverty clearly played a role.

Yeah. Coercion and extreme poverty made them prepare application forms to become JIA soldiers written with their own blood (血書)RIGHT? To surv)ve higher than 50 times competition ratio？

kennyGToday  06:50 pm JST

Those were Chinese and Mongol invasions not Korean. The Jomon period and people were hunter gatherers from 14,000 to 300 BCE and they are genetically the Ainu people of today. It wasn't even Japan.

Wao. How far ancient times you wish to time warp to ? What was even Korea then? What makes you convince whatever was Korea? I would rather propose you to read recent academic findings that Southern part of the peninsula WAS ACTUALLY JAPAN if I am to use what I think it could be they way your brain circuit is run. No wonder you have problems with China about your own fantasy historical world about Norther part of your peninsula.

Was there even a Japan then? It was Ossan who used this argument as evidence that Korea invaded Japan in the past. At this point, there wasn't a Korea or Japan. So the point that Korea invaded Japan is moot. Provide evidence that the southern Korean peninsula was actually Japan. I'll be waiting. Try to keep up or manage your own brain a little.

My peninsula? I'm not Korean. Not that that has anything to do with anything. You bet I have problems with current CCP China. What that has to do with this argument is anyone's guess.

OssanAmericaToday  04:01 pm JST

MilesTegToday  12:53 pm JST

You're clearly one of those who believe than Japan's Coprosperity Sphere was benevolent in nature,

Again, strawman argument.

All those treaties leading up to the annexation of Korea by Japan are officially recognized as 'unfair treaties' under gunboat diplomacy.

By who? There are no international organizations or forums who consider the 1910 annexation to be unfair or illegal.

And while some Korean men did serve in the Japanese military, not all did so voluntarily. Coercion and extreme poverty clearly played a role.

*Conscription on the Korean Penninsula did not start until Spring of 1944 when the tide of the war had turmed against Japan. Nearly all Koreans who joined the Imperial Japanese military did so willingly. Coercion, the favorite Korean world to absolve responsibility, had little to do with Koreans enlisting. They got good pay and could rise in ranks.*

https://ww2db.com/person_bio.php?person_id=469

That there were so many attempts by Japan to militarily invade and conquer Korean throughout history,

More nonsense. Apart from the two invasions under Hideyoshi in 1592 and 1596 there were no Japanese "invasions" of Korea. Perhaps you are erroneously counting Wako pirate attacks as an "invasion"? Typical of the product of biased South Korean education,

It's the political extremists on both sides in Korea and Japan like you, who are responsible for prolonging hatred and the inability for both countries to move forward. You're part of the problem not part of the solution.

I am very much part of the solution, as is anyone willing to look at actual facts, instead of bogus.false information as you have provided. Pres Yoon is very much part of the solution. The security of Sout Korea and perhaps the region depends upon Korean people being able to wean themselves from their ingrauined biaes and false history.

No strawman You've posted before on Pearl Harbour and the Coprosperity Sphere and are simply the product of Japanese right wing rubbish.

Apart from two invasions under Hideyoshi there were no invasions? So you acknowledge that there were two. So there were invasions so it's not nonsense. Seriously are you even aware of your own poor writing skills and lack of logic. That Japan did invade Korea several times is not nonsense. You even admitted they did.

There is plenty of controversy of the Japanese annexation of Korea. A simple google search will provide plenty of sources that are far more accurate and objective than the right wing rubbish that you've been brainwashed with.

Your facts are based on the poor Japanese education system and lack of more objective outside sources and here I don't refer to Korean sources. You are the product of a bias. Not me. I'm neither Korean nor Asian. I could equally say that a prosperous future in Asia depends on brainwashed Japanese weaning themselves of nationalistic right wing propaganda that whitewashes their responsibility and role in WWII.

Not being Korean or Japanese, I have no particular reason to be biased against either country. My point is simple. As usual it takes two to tango. Both Korean extremist zealots (and not all Koreans are) and Japanese right wing nationalists are both responsible for the inability to move forward and continually dwell in the past. You clearly are biased.

Not all Koreans were Japanese citizens. In fact they were a minority. 

Outright false.

"In 1910, as the result of the Japan–Korea Annexation Treaty, Japan annexed Korea and all Korean people became part of the nation of the Empire of Japan by law and received Japanese citizenship. "

Outright false.

"Not strawman at all. You've posted before on the issue and made excuses trying to justify the attack on Pearl Harbour."

I have never posted a position for or against. Otherwise show my quote. Lying to attack me personally.

Outright false.

" And while some Korean men did serve in the Japanese military, not all did so voluntarily. Coercion and extreme poverty clearly played a role. "

So Park Chung Hee was "coerced" into becoming a Lieutenant? Hong Sa-Ik was"coerced" into becoming a General?

Not worth continuing with this nonsense. South Korea is blessed with having an intelligent honest patriotic leader like Yoon.

All those treaties leading up to the annexation of Korea by Japan are officially recognized as 'unfair treaties' under gunboat diplomacy.

Yeah , those 5 BIG TRAITORS won democratic majority decision in 1905 treaty over three who opposed to it.

Yet They were all threatened at gunpoints by Japanese soldiers RIGHT? ....

Imperial Japan's relations with Korea were with one political Korean faction.

一進会is not just one political fraction.　Study a bit more about it.

“But, at that time, we chose it by ourselves. It is not Japan invaded our land. Our ancestors chose it. If we chose Qing Dynasty that soon perished, we would have had more chaos on the peninsula. If we chose Russia that soon got overturned, we would have had the entire peninsula turned to a communist country. It might not be the best but if we were to chose, I valued choosing Japan as second best.”

President of Korea Chunghee Park

“I was born in a family of a very poor farmer and so I could never dreamed of going to school. It was a Japanese official who persuaded my parents to send me to primary school. And it was a Japanese teacher who recommended me to the Japanese Army War College. The reason I am here today is because of the compulsory education system they introduced, and because of the clean and honest Japanese people”

President of Korea Chunghee Park

OssanAmericaToday  07:59 pm JST

Not all Koreans were Japanese citizens. In fact they were a minority. 

Outright false.

"In 1910, as the result of the Japan–Korea Annexation Treaty, Japan annexed Korea and all Korean people became part of the nation of the Empire of Japan by law and received Japanese citizenship. "

Outright false.

"Not strawman at all. You've posted before on the issue and made excuses trying to justify the attack on Pearl Harbour."

*I have never posted a position for or against. Otherwise show my quote. Lying to attack me personally.*

Outright false.

" And while some Korean men did serve in the Japanese military, not all did so voluntarily. Coercion and extreme poverty clearly played a role. "

So Park Chung Hee was "coerced" into becoming a Lieutenant? Hong Sa-Ik was"coerced" into becoming a General?

Not worth continuing with this nonsense. South Korea is blessed with having an intelligent honest patriotic leader like Yoon.

That treaty was made with one political Korean faction amidst political turmoil in Korea at the time. The Joseon Dynasty that signed the treaty were not even recognized in Korea as having the right to do so. They self appointed themselves. The majority of Koreans didn't see themselves as Japanese citizens that's for sure. It's only from a Japanese right wing perspective that they're considered Japanese citizens. Considering how many of these 'citizens' were murdered, the Japanese didn't truly consider themselves as citizens did they.

I do recall you posting on Pearl Harbour and you have most certainly posted on the Coprosperity Sphere. I don't understand why you deny that you believe in right wing nationalism. Your posts reek of it.

I didn't say that all were coerced did I. Certainly there were some that were opportunists like Park who for many Koreans is an aberration. He was assassinated wasn't he.

I also agree that there are some Koreans enshrined at Yasukuni as war criminals. But you're acknowledging that there are war criminals at Yasukuni touches upon why they're even enshrined there and revered. Are there any Nazi leaders and war criminals revered by Germans aside by neo-Nazis.

I agree that Yoon's attitude is a boon for Korea and they're blessed to have him lead. I don't think Japan is blessed to have right wing nationalists who deny what Japan did and continually try to paint themselves in a positive light.

kennyGToday  08:27 pm JST

All those treaties leading up to the annexation of Korea by Japan are officially recognized as 'unfair treaties' under gunboat diplomacy.

Yeah , those 5 BIG TRAITORS won democratic majority decision in 1905 treaty over three who opposed to it.

Yet They were all threatened at gunpoints by Japanese soldiers RIGHT? ....

Imperial Japan's relations with Korea were with one political Korean faction.

一進会is not just one political fraction.　Study a bit more about it.

There were no general elections in Korea in 1905 so you're mentioning a democratic majority is a farce. The Joseon Dynasty did not have the ruing right to sign the treaty. Just reading up on it now on Wiki doesn't make you erudite on the topic.

I never said that all were coerced at gunpoint by Japanese soldiers. You did.

There is certainly quite a lot to unpack here. Yoon's public statements are remarkable, considering how learning about Japan in a very negative manner is completely baked in to social studies and history education in South Korea (one can only assume). How people in Arab League countries are taught about Israel is a comparison that comes to my mind.

The ball is now in the government of Japan's court to manage this change in volatile South Korean politics carefully. If the pro-imperialist, unrepentant, unreconstructed types in Japan get their way and pile on with a demand that South Korea give up control of Dokdo/Takeshima or officially state that Korean girls and women were not coerced into sexual slavery by Japanese authorities in the 1930s and 1940s, that will backfire badly and in all likelihood the South Korean president by 2027 will make Moon Jae-in look moderate by comparison in his or her zeal to cooperate with North Korea while demonizing Japan.

What's going on in Yoon's thinking? Maybe he concluded that South Korea reached the logical limits of its confrontation with Japan during the Moon years. It's not like South Korea can take the next step and sever diplomatic relations with Japan, close down its embassy in Tokyo, and treat Japan like a rogue pariah state the way most Arab countries still treat Israel. Doing that would destroy South Korea's relations with the United States as well. But Japanese also need to realize this doesn't mean South Korea will or should give in on Dokdo/Takeshima or the sex slaves issue.

@MASSWIPE

all likelihood the South Korean president by 2027 will make Moon Jae-in look moderate by comparison

Try 2024, not 2027.

Currently the Democratic party and its allies hold 62% of the parliament. If they reach 66.6% in next year's election, then Yoon is impeached, replaced by Lee Jae Myung whom you all know is the most hardcore anti-Japan extremist to date.

And the polling suggests they will cross the impeachment threshold due to extreme unpopularity of Yoon who is currently polling at the level President Park was when she was impeached.

MilesTegApr. 26  09:14 pm JST

There were no general elections in Korea in 1905 so you're mentioning a democratic majority is a farce.

How could there be? My sarcasm seems having gone over your head. 1905 Treaty was decided at the Imperial conference of Korean Empire by majority decision where 5 ministers gave consents over 3 ministers opposed to it, then approved by the King Gojong. Pretty democratic process for the KINGDOM wasn't it?

The Joseon Dynasty did not have the ruing right to sign the treaty. Just reading up on it now on Wiki doesn't make you erudite on the topic.

So I am asking WHO HAD THAT RIGHT?　By the way, it was not The Joseon Dynasty any longer, but the Empire of Korea (Imperial Korea)

I never said that all were coerced at gunpoint by Japanese soldiers. You did.

So you agree the majority decision reached in 1905 by then-government in front of the King legitimate?

President Yoon has a huge task ahead of him with the numbers of South Koreans who have been so ingrained with anti-JP education that they freely distort history and facts to push their victim mentality and narrative. They are fighting the Yoon administrations actions because if SK/JPN relations normalized, they's have no life. People like these who are seeking to keep dragging South Korea back from moving forward are threatening the security of South Korea in today's dangerously polarized world.

Imperial Japan's relations with Korea were with one political Korean faction.

Education in South Korea only refers to Iljinhoe(一進会）as just one pro-Japan political party created by Imperial Japan for the purpose of it's political and actual invasion. Dead wrong. It was the biggest political association in the history of Korea, of so many reformists and revolutionists as called former Gaehwapa-s(開化派) , or as represented by Independence Club (独立教会）trying to turn such corrupt and obsolete dynasty around for civilized and modernized Korea, later joined by successors of Donghak Party(東学党）which was broadly supported by majority lower classes under Korean slave system. It was main driving force of Korean version_ bourgeois revolution

smithinjapanApr. 26  04:17 pm JST

"only after Germany had atoned sincerely over a long period of time. Has Japan done the same?"

They absolutely have NOT, but they most certainly should, and not just kneel, but get on the ground, kiss the dirt, and BEG for forgiveness.

WHY Japan needs to kiss the dirt and BEG for forgiveness? A SIMPLE QUESTION.

It seems that the wrong historical perception is still prevalent, so I will list the facts.

Ancient history books refer to Chinese and Japanese documents, not Korean ones. This is because the oldest history book in Korea was written in 1145.

According to Chinese and Japanese histories, there was a place called 'Mimana Nihonfu' where Japanese branch offices or diplomatic missions stayed on the ancient Korean peninsula, and it is written that the southern part of the peninsula was under the influence of Japan. Koreans never admit this.

Magatama, which was produced only in Japan and Myanmar at that time, and ancient tombs built in a later period than those in Japan have been excavated, but the Koreans, who did not admit the fact, buried them in the ground again.

It is not taught in Korea, but ancient Japan traded with China by ship and imported Buddhism, writing, and money. Traveling through the Korean peninsula was more dangerous than sea travel and was seldom used. Nevertheless, Koreans believe that they introduced Buddhism, scholarship, and culture to Japan.

The southern part of the Korean Peninsula and the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, which were under Japanese control, were in conflict, with Japan and China joining forces. This battle that took place in 663 turned out to be a battle between 40,000 Japanese soldiers and 5,000 southern Korean soldiers against 130,000 Chinese soldiers and 30,000 northern Korean soldiers, and the Chinese army won with an overwhelming difference in strength. And Japan lost its influence on the Korean Peninsula.

This is not an act of Japanese aggression.

After that, the Mongols ruled the Korean peninsula, but at this time, with the proposal and cooperation of the Koreans, a joint Mongol-Korean army invaded Japan, which occurred in 1274 and 1281.

This was the first Japanese invasion with the cooperation of Koreans.

This is also a game as Ghost of Tsushima.

The next invasion of the Korean Peninsula was the invasion of Tsushima by the Joseon Kingdom in 1419. Unfortunately, this was also repulsed by the Japanese side and did not succeed.

Since then, there has been no war between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Japan and China went to war over the Korean Peninsula in 1894, but Japan, which won the war, demanded the independence of the Korean Peninsula first from China. Japan did not claim Korean territory.

At that time, Japan intended to cooperate with the Korean Peninsula and modernize it so that it would not be colonized by the European powers.

However, the aristocrats of the Joseon dynasty did not care about national affairs, and the nation continued to stray.

Therefore, Japan reluctantly annexed the Korean peninsula without any particular resistance at the request of some Korean politicians, but the Koreans also do not accept this.

After annexing the Korean Peninsula, Japan bought back the resources and infrastructure that had been bought by Russia and China, and advanced the modernization of the Korean Peninsula.

The post-war international conference attended by the United States, Japan, and South Korea, and the International Conference on the Review of the Annexation of Korea, were held in Hawaii in January 2001, but no conclusion was reached that Japan's annexation was illegal under international treaties.

At this conference, which was held three times, Professor James Crawford of the University of Cambridge, an authority on international law, discussed how the procedure would be based on the customary international law of the time, which was recognized by the great powers, including the United Kingdom and the United States. I pointed out that even if there is a major defect, it cannot be said to be "invalid."

As usual, only Koreans claim that Japan's annexation of Korea is illegal.

I forgot one thing.

The dispatch of troops to Korea by Hideyoshi in 1592 can be said to be an invasion by Japan.

By the way, there was a general on the Korean side who was active at this time.

His name is Yi Sun-shin, but Koreans consider him a hero.

He defeated the Japanese army once, but that was after a ceasefire was signed between Japan and China, and his act was a deception.

He was shot dead by the Japanese army who was angry about it, but this is still not taught correctly in South Korea. He is supposed to have defeated the Japanese army many times squarely and squarely.

It is a strange story that the Japanese side was never deprived of sea control by him.

smithinjapanApr. 26  04:17 pm JST

"only after Germany had atoned sincerely over a long period of time. Has Japan done the same?"

They absolutely have NOT, but they most certainly should, and not just kneel, but get on the ground, kiss the dirt, and BEG for forgiveness.

That is what the spitter is expected to do in front of Japanese people

smithinjapanApr. 26  04:17 pm JST

"only after Germany had atoned sincerely over a long period of time. Has Japan done the same?"

They absolutely have NOT, but they most certainly should, and not just kneel, but get on the ground, kiss the dirt, and BEG for forgiveness.

That is what the spitter is expected to do in front of Japanese people

The fundamental cause against relation between these two neighbors is this ethnic Korean poster pretending as completely their party making their party opinions ignoring how far and deep their Korean narratives are actually consisted of the gigantic pile of LIES. You and your ilk are the ones who MUST not just kneel, but get on the ground, kiss the dirt, and BEG for forgiveness.

smithinjapanApr. 26  04:17 pm JST

"only after Germany had atoned sincerely over a long period of time. Has Japan done the same?"

They absolutely have NOT, but they most certainly should, and not just kneel, but get on the ground, kiss the dirt, and BEG for forgiveness.

That is what the spitter is expected to do in front of Japanese people

The fundamental cause against normal relation between these two neighbor countries is the fact they don't mind making this kind of Korean cultural and historical plastic surgery. The Good example is this ethnic Korean poster pretending as completely the 3rd party citizen making his opinions FOR YEARS, ignoring how far and deep the fact that those Korean narratives are actually consisted of the gigantic pile of LIES. Nothing much to chose to describe , but ... Korean CULT.

You and your ilk are the ones who MUST not just kneel, but get on the ground, kiss the dirt, and BEG for forgiveness for fooling the entire world , especially to Japan.