Newsletter

The year 2010 holds a significant meaning for the Northeast Asian History Foundation (hereafter "Foundation"). It was the centennial of Japan's forced annexation of Korea, and the Foundation looked back on the tragic events in modern Korean history and led the effort to lay the foundation for future-oriented Korea-Japan relations for the next century. As a result, the Foundation could solidify its standing as a key organization working to ease historical conflicts and promote peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia. There is possibility that historical conflicts might intensify in 2011: The results of the Japanese government textbook authorization review for the revised middle school textbooks will be announced this year; and the China-Japan/Russia-Japan land disputes that reopened in 2010 could aggravate. As such, the Foundation strives to observe the developments in Northeast Asia and prepare for possible eventualities. It also continues to play a leading role in carrying out research projects, and developing and implementing policies to help reconcile historical conflicts and promote "mutualism" in Northeast Asia. This month's newsletter includes the Foundation's performance in 2010 and key projects for 2011. – Editor's note

In-depth Research on Korea-Japan History Frictions and Further Analysis on Japanese Textbooks

In 2010, the Foundation carried out a wide range of activities, including publication of a sourcebook on key issues to respond to distortions in Japanese textbooks, translation of Korean books into foreign languages and the pursuit of overseas publication, research on a collective history of East Asia, and publication of a dictionary on the history of East Asian international relations. In particular, the Foundation held a conference titled "International Conference on Japan's Forced Annexation of Korea in 2010 – Its History and Tasks" (24~26 August) in commemoration of the centennial of Japan's forced annexation of Korea. It also hosted exhibitions of treaties and documents (in Seoul & Gwangju), leading in-depth discussions on their historical significance.

In 2011, the Foundation will continue to identify the current state of affairs in terms of Korea-Japan history frictions, carry out further research and analysis to develop effective ways to deal with them, and build a network in this regard. The results of the Japanese middle school textbooks are expected to be announced in April, and there is possibility that the revised textbooks will be quite different from previous ones. Against this backdrop, the Foundation will carry out even more thorough analyses of the textbooks and devise measures to cope with them. In addition, it will concentrate on taking forward research projects on basic literature in pre-modern periods (including the influence of ancient Korean culture on Japan); on the colonial period (addressing the issue of "comfort women" and others); and on Japanese perception of history.

In response to Korea-Japan history frictions, the Foundation will focus on identifying the direction of discussions including monitoring academic literature and activities, and pursue researches on relevant relics as well as holding workshops for experts and scholars. In addition, it will lay the groundwork for creating a platform for studying Korea-Japan history frictions.

With regard to distortions in textbooks, the Foundation will carry out in-depth analyses on the review and adoption of Japanese middle school textbooks. It will also hold conferences and workshops to strengthen the ties between Korean and Japanese textbook experts and support dialog and cooperation among them to rectify historical distortions.

Exploring Korea-China Historical Issues from the perspective of East Asia

In 2010, the Foundation closely monitored the developments on Korea-China historical issues and published a sourcebook on the developments in China as well as a book on the research trend in China on Korean history. It carried out research on relics concerning Koguryo tomb murals in China and North Korea, analyzed Chinese literature on the history of Koguryo, and studied the expansion of Liaohe civilization (遼河文明) and Bronze Age culture in China's northeastern regions. The Foundation also laid the groundwork for building a platform to discuss Korea-China historical issues by pursuing research on China's ancient texts concerning foreign countries (外國傳) and its multi-ethnicity, and by further studying Korea-Russia and China-Russia relations.

In 2011, the Foundation will foster a shared historical understanding in Northeast Asia by engaging in deep and wide researches on Korea-China relations as well as Korea's history. It will carry out a research project on the origin and creation of Korean culture and a systematic study on Korea-China relations and other East Asian countries, while seeking ways to identify key issues of Korea-China historical conflicts and ease them by holding conferences and symposiums. To brace itself for possible damage in and destruction of Koguryo and Balhae relics and artifacts in China, Japan and Korea, the Foundation will collect relevant pictures and documents and create a digital database for them. In particular, a digital map of Koguryo relics will be produced and released, and joint research projects on Koguryo and Balhae relics in Mongolia and North Korea will be launched this year. In addition, the Foundation will concentrate on studying documents concerning Gando (間島) and Manchuria (滿洲) of national archives in the US, US and Russia.

Furthermore, the Foundation will pursue excavation of Koguryo and Balhae relics and artifacts to assert that the two ancient kingdoms are part of Korean history, and carry out in-depth studies on the creation of Korean culture and ancient Northeast Asian history. In addition, the Foundation will continue its work on the historical map of Northeast Asia, which is designed to set a new standard for historical maps. In 2011, it will also analyze Chinese history textbooks, in which the government's official view of history is reflected, and devise ways to respond to distortions.

Solidifying Korea's Sovereignty over Dokdo: Education and PR

In 2010, the Foundation played a leading role in policy development, research, next-generation education and PR regarding Dokdo as well as building domestic and overseas cooperation networks among relevant institutions and organizations. Also, it contributed greatly to rectifying incorrect geographical naming of the East Sea and Dokdo and to correcting public perception. As part of this effort, the Foundation proactively pursued exchanges with domestic and overseas institutions and organizations by inviting geography teachers from other countries to a workshop in Korea and launching the Global History Diplomatic Academy In 2011, it is highly likely that Japan's sovereignty claims to Dokdo will be reflected in middle school geography textbooks, which will be revised in accordance with new instruction guidelines (released in July 2008). Moreover, it is worrisome that descriptions of Dokdo in social studies/history textbooks are expected to increase. In this regard, the Foundation aims to respond proactively and systematically to the coverage on the sovereignty of Dokdo in Japanese textbooks. In particular, it will focus on laying the groundwork for engendering a favorable international opinion from a longer-term perspective, instead of merely pursuing one-time PR opportunities.

Regarding research and survey activities, the Foundation will strive to further solidify Korea's sovereignty claim over Dokdo, collecting and analyzing medieval, modern and contemporary historical documents and international law and judicial precedents concerning Dokdo-related issues.

In addition, the Foundation will carry out comprehensive education and PR activities touring four major cities, displaying various items related to Dokdo's history, ecosystem, and ancient maps. It will also 1) support the development of sub-textbooks for elementary and middle school students; 2) open online lectures for teachers; 3) designate more Dokgo-keepers stronghold schools; 4) provide more support to Dokdo Academy; and 5) expand the activities of the Global History Diplomatic Academy, co-operated by the Foundation and VANK. Another key objective this year is to establish the Dokdo Education and PR Center, which will carry out a wide range of education and PR activities.

With regard to rectification of incorrect geographical naming of the East Sea and Dokdo, the Foundation plans to expand exchanges with researchers abroad studying maps and naming, teachers, and map publishers while pursuing negotiations to rectify incorrect geographical naming. In tandem, the Foundation will appoint and nurture online Dokdo keepers who will engage in rectification of incorrect geographical naming online as well as carrying out related research and survey activities, and collecting ancient maps to publish a map book. With these efforts, the Foundation aims to rectify more incorrect naming of the East Sea and Dokdo and spread an accurate historical understanding about them in the international community.

Keeping Abreast of the Developments on Historical Current Issues and Responding Proactively

In 2010, the Foundation pursued various projects in commemoration of the centennial of Japan's forced annexation of Korea. It also continued the work to build international networks, promote peace in the East Asian Community, devise strategies to effectively deal with history disputes, and facilitate inter-Korean academic exchanges. Moreover, the Foundation held advisory meetings and solicited experts' advice, and made efforts to reflect them in policy development and reports.

As seen from China-Japan and Russia-Japan disputes over Senkaku Islands and over Southern Kuril Islands respectively, it is expected that a number of controversies concerning changes in the political landscape of East Asia and historical/territorial issues will be frequently raised in 2011. The Foundation will keep abreast of current events and significantly strengthen its capabilities to come up with timely and appropriate policy responses.

In line with these efforts, the Foundation will continue to support the study of Korean history at Harvard University, the University of Washington and other institutions abroad, and hold international academic conferences in cooperation with UNESCO and other countries such as Vietnam, Mongolia and Russia. Such efforts will contribute to solidifying the foundation for international solidarity to respond to historical distortions by neighboring nations. Moreover, the Foundation will actively support basic research activities and hold academic conferences with a view to overcoming historical disputes and promoting peace and an epistemic community in East Asia. The year 2012 marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and China, and the Foundation will further carry out research and exchange activities to support further development in Korea-China relations.

In 2011, the Foundation will expand exchanges with Chinese scholars by providing support to the Association of Chinese Scholars of Korean History, as well as pursuing dialogue with academic institutions and experts in the three northeastern provinces of Heilongjiang, Liaoning and Jilin. In order to support "history diplomacy" activities, the Foundation plans to hold expert meetings and facilitate cooperation with relevant institutions and organizations. In particular, the Foundation will pay due attention to the current events in North Korea, including development in areas surrounding Baekdu Mountain and Duman River and its implications on historical/territorial frictions. Also, the Foundation will endeavor to make concrete efforts to present a vision for a more harmonious future in Northeast Asia.

Establishment of Basis for Online History Information Service

The Foundation raised its global status through various online and media channels including sponsorship for broadcasting programs on the centennial of Japan's forced annexation of Korea, distribution of press releases, and the Foundation members' interviews and columns. Particularly, the foundation made significant achievements in creating content on history and culture and promoting international exchanges through exhibition of Koguryo tomb murals in Turkey, 2D∙3D computer graphic restoration of the mural paintings located in Deokheung-ri, North Korea, and the Digital Media Symposium. Moreover, the Foundation published and distributed 59 copies of papers and books to promote its activities and achievements across the world.

In 2011, the Foundation plans to effectively link its online, offline, and media PR activities and to build the database on Northeast Asian history with an aim to resolve the historical issues in the region.

The results of the Japanese government textbook authorization review for history textbooks will be announced in 2011. Against this backdrop, the Foundation will raise public awareness on the misinterpretations in the Japanese textbooks and enhance its support for the activities for correcting such distortions.

The Foundation will continue its efforts for history research and policy development by providing Internet services regarding historical issues in Northeast Asia. The Foundation will also offer the public an easy access to its content on history and culture. To this end, the Foundation is planning to hold the Symposium on Cultural and Historical Exchanges in Central Asia, along with the Digital History Symposium. In addition, the Foundation will go ahead with the project for 2D∙3D computer graphic restoration of the Koguryo mural paintings (An-ak 3rd tomb) in 2011.

The Foundation will provide mobile services of the history contents, which have been offered through its website. In order to build the database on Northeast Asia history, the Foundation will post the original copies of its materials, brochures, and papers at our website by making them digital texts and images. Moreover, the Foundation will install the Archive System in the website to provide an access to internal materials, reviews, and other reports. In 2011, the Foundation aims to publish over 30 copies of academic papers and books. When highly recognized for their excellence, the books will be published overseas. By distributing its activities and achievements worldwide, the Foundation will enjoy the greater status home and abroad.

Moving History Class and the 4th International NGOs Conference on History and Peace

The Foundation organized collective and field training programs for history teachers as part of its project to enhance history education. The Foundation also created various educational contents including a cyber training program. The Foundation doubled its efforts to upgrade the Contest on Youth History Experience Presentation, which has been continuously pursued since the establishment of the Foundation. For example, the history study group, which won the contest, received the Ministerial Award of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. The participants were also given an opportunity to have a historical tour home and abroad. In addition, the Foundation commenced the project of moving history classes, which were attended by over 4,000 students at 10 schools.

In 2010, the Foundation focused on the international NGO exchange programs, which are socially, symbolically, and timely significant, including the project to reflect on the 100 years after Japan's forced annexation of Korea. In addition, the Foundation developed and promoted an exemplary public-private cooperation model for peace in Northeast Asia by supporting history NGOs home and abroad.

In 2011, the Foundation plans to provide even more specialized history education, deepen the history understanding among the public, and promote the concept of the Northeast Asian community. Furthermore, the Foundation will help the international community to share the historical truths by attaining the support in the global civic society for resolution of historical conflicts in Northeast Asia and by encouraging the exchanges and cooperation among NGOs home and abroad.

In order to strengthen history education, the Foundation will design programs to improve understanding of the regional historical issues such as historical conflicts. The Foundation will also foster field education regarding Northeast Asian history in close cooperation with related agencies. The Foundation will continuously conduct various projects for history education including history experience programs, moving history classes, training for government officials, and training for teachers from East Asian nations.

In 2011, the Foundation plans to host the 4th International NGOs Conference on History and Peace, which will be composed of symposia, workshops, and other events, with an aim to enhance the partnership between domestic and foreign history NGOs. In order to support Korean history NGOs, the Foundation will carry out a project for cooperation of Northeast Asian civic society, operate a review agency for domestic NGO projects, and establish measures to build the networks for civic groups. The 2011 projects to foster collaboration with overseas NGOs include promotion of the partnerships with NGOs in the geographically significant regions. The Foundation will pursue future-oriented partnership with international history NGOs with an aim for historical reconciliation.