Historical Encyclopedia
The colonial period in Korea began in 1910 when Korea was officially annexed by the Japanese Empire and lasted until 1945 when Japan was defeated in World War II. This period was one of the most difficult in Korean history, affecting the economy, culture, and national consciousness of the Korean people.
Japan sought to expand its influence in Asia since the late 19th century. Its strategic interest in Korea was driven by several factors, including its favorable geographical position and resources. After winning the Russo-Japanese War in 1905, Japan began to directly interfere in Korean affairs, imposing a protectorate and controlling its foreign policy.
In 1910, after a series of treaties and diplomatic maneuvers, Japan officially annexed Korea, turning it into its colony. This decision was imposed on the Korean people, and most Koreans perceived it as an act of violence and injustice, leading to sharp resistance.
After the annexation, Korea underwent significant changes. Japanese colonial authorities implemented a strict administrative system, limiting the autonomy of Koreans and establishing control over all aspects of life. Koreans were forced to abandon their culture and traditions under the pressure of assimilation policies.
The social structure also changed: many Koreans lost their lands, and the education and labor systems were directed towards preparing personnel for work in Japanese enterprises. The Japanese administration actively restricted freedom of speech, persecuted nationalists, and established strict censorship.
Japan actively exploited Korea's resources to strengthen its economy. This primarily concerned agriculture and mining. Japanese companies and corporations began to exploit Korea's natural resources, with most of the profits going to Japan.
Korean peasants grew poorer as lands and incomes fell into the hands of the Japanese. The industrial development of Korea was also directed toward meeting the needs of the Japanese economy, rather than improving the living conditions of the local population. This led to an increase in social inequality and a deterioration in the lives of most Koreans.
Cultural suppression was another aspect of Japanese colonial policy. The Japanese administration attempted to destroy Korean identity by imposing the Japanese language, clothing, and religious customs. Japanese schools prohibited the teaching of the Korean language, and Korean culture faced constant pressure.
However, Koreans resisted. One symbol of resistance was the March 1st Movement in 1919, when Korean nationalists organized mass demonstrations against Japanese occupation. The movement was brutally suppressed, but it became a symbol of the struggle for independence and inspired many following generations.
The resistance against Japanese occupation led to the creation of underground organizations and national movements fighting for Korea's independence. In 1919, the Korean Provisional Government Council was established in Shanghai, which continued the struggle for freedom abroad, organizing support from the international community.
Korea also supported anti-colonial movements in China and Russia. This cooperation laid the groundwork for the creation of powerful movements that later helped restore Korea's independence after the end of World War II.
During World War II, the Japanese authorities forcibly mobilized thousands of Koreans into their army. Koreans participated in Japanese military campaigns and worked in Japanese factories. Many Koreans were sent to the front and were also subjected to hard labor in conditions akin to slavery.
Women also became victims of the occupation policy: thousands of Korean women were forced to work as "comfort women"—essentially sexual slaves for Japanese soldiers. These events left a deep mark on Korean society and continue to be a topic of discussion and litigation.
After Japan's defeat in World War II, Korea was liberated from Japanese rule. However, freedom was overshadowed by a new division of the country. In 1945, following Japan's surrender, Korea was divided into occupation zones controlled by the USSR and the USA.
The ideological differences between the Soviet and American administrations led to the creation of two separate governments: a socialist one in the North and a capitalist one in the South. In 1948, two separate countries were established—the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the North and the Republic of Korea in the South. This division resulted in a prolonged conflict and the establishment of one of the most militarized borders in the world.
In 1950, the Korean War began when North Korean troops, supported by the Soviet Union and China, crossed the 38th parallel and invaded South Korean territory. The war lasted three years and resulted in the deaths of millions of people. The UN and the USA assisted South Korea, but the war ended only with an armistice, not a peace treaty.
These events solidified the division of Korea into two states. The Korean War left behind wounds that are still felt in both countries and led to the formation of hostile relations between the North and the South.
The colonial period left a significant mark on Korea's history. The economic, political, and cultural traumas of Japanese occupation continue to affect Korean society. Issues related to the rights of victims and compensation for the crimes of the Japanese occupation still cause tension in relations between South Korea and Japan.
The colonial period also played an important role in shaping the national consciousness of Koreans. It became a time of struggle for independence and the emergence of national heroes such as Yun Bong-gil and Ahn Chung-gun. These figures are symbols of patriotism and the memory of the hard struggle of the Korean people.