State-controlled and private memorialization of historical grievances vis-à-vis Japan in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

This paper represents the first attempt to analyze rich data the authors collected during field research in the Republic of Korea in October 2024. The aim is to resolve the contradiction between South Korean government’s official stance and narratives put forward through major museums and memorials commemoration the era of Japanese rule.

Korean memorialization policies remain unchanged even as the government’s approach wavers. Memorials and museums that represent and propagate a certain view of the past still directly and indirectly encourage the visitors to call Japan to account for historical grievances. The government is unlikely to close or demolish them. In other words, memorialization is possible, but ‘dememorialization’ is almost impossible. Commemoration is a one-way road. Notably, so is political exploitation of historical grievances, in international politics a step back from the emotional high ground is tantamount to capitulation. Also, current memorialization reinforces only pressure-oriented foreign policies, creating synergy and a positive feedback loop.

Schoolchildren are the target audience for history museums, and regular school trips are an important part of education. Indeed, a regular South Korean citizen, brought up with a certain view of the colonial era, its victims and offenders, would be rather skeptical of a government dismissing what he has been taught to believe and keeping silent instead of demanding retribution. This still allows for rapprochement with Japan, but it cannot be widely accepted if the government ignores the past.