Korean Job Discussion Forums

[lastat06513]

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/03/07/200503070026.asp


In a recent article published in the Korea Herald, an honorary professor is under fire for writing a letter that amounted to support for the Japanese colonization of Korea (1910- 1945).
Since then, a group of senior university officials will meet to discuss the fate of the professor and to show the public that the letter is nothing more than a personal view of the situation during that time (basically distancing themselves from him).

This brings up 2 good things, both past and present.

1st; Past.

As many of us already know, Russia and Japan fought a war in 1905 that ultimately gave Japan Port Authur in China and considerable influence in Manchuria (the prelude to the all-out invasion of China).

But what would have happened if Russia won and not Japan?

I think the Korean ruling class would be stripped of their priviledges and most royal titles would be given to ethnic Russians related directly to the Czar. Russian companies would have free rein over all industries and the Koreans would only be seen as cheap labor. Then, young Korean men would be inducted into the Russian army to fight the seperatists, communists and nihilists that were trying to disrupt Russian government activity.

But wait! This kinda sounds oddly like the same as what the Japanese did. But the Russians would have just took the natural resources and left the country barren and severely underdeveloped. The Japanese, on the other hand, brought western culture to the country after it was shut for almost 600 or so years.

I am not endorsing the view either, but I just want to tell you how I feel. Also, there was a thread about this a long time ago that even had pictures of before and during the Japanese occupation. It was almost like bringing daylight to a place pleagued by darkness for so long.

2nd; Now


Ironically enough, many Koreans see the US presence here as an occupation force also. But some understand that they are here to bring stability. And because of this stability, the country socially and economically prospered.


Now, what do you think?
You know, alot of countries that now speak English were once (or in some cases, still are) members of the commonwealth. And England was an angel either from what history tells us.

So, what do you think of the article?

[diver]

"Slited"?

[Derrek]

[dogbert]

He will have his throat slited.

[peach]

See larger thread about this topic:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=34972