Newsletter

The March 11 earthquake and tsunami that swept northeastern Japan reminded us of the nature's destructive power and the fragility of human existence. And the consequent nuclear incident in Fukushima made us witness the disastrous results of our arrogance and recklessness. Japan is well known for its preparedness to handle earthquake situations, but it stood helpless to the destructive power of the nature. In addition, we realize that nuclear power plants in Japan, which had been considered very safe, could turn into nuclear weapons with terrifying force should unexpected events take place.

The tragic events have offered numerous challenges and lessons to the world as well as to Japan. Many countries are reconsidering their policies on nuclear power plants, and Japan began in-depth discussions on why the earthquake, tsunami and the nuclear incident resulted in more suffering and damage. Also, many other issues are under discussion, including how to raise funds and repair damage, future directions for energy policies, and how to deal with nuclear plants that are scheduled to resume operation after regular check-up. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Kan Naoto was criticized for lack of leadership and was forced to express his intention to resign from office.

The Earthquake and Korea-Japan Relations

The disaster has presented many lessons to Korea-Japan relations. Japanese people were deeply moved by the attention and love Koreans extended to them. Korea was the first country to send a rescue team to Japan, and Korean raised a significant amount of money with non-governmental organizations' voluntary fundraising activities. In addition, some Koreans posted encouraging remarks in Japanese in many different districts in Seoul. Other countries, including China, UK, France, Italy, Russia, Australia, ordered their people living near the problematic power plant to evacuate from Japan, and the US officials' recommendation of an 80km radius Fukushima evacuation, instead of 30km, damaged Japanese government's credibility. However, Korea stayed calm and refrained from recommending Koreans to evacuate Japan. At that time, Japanese were assured that Korea is a trustworthy neighbor, and the two countries seemed to have a very friendly relationship with each other.

Nevertheless, tensions escalated between Korea and Japan in mid-March before the announcement of middle school textbook screening results by Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). Many people voiced concerns that stronger sovereignty claims over Dokdo would be included in Japanese textbooks, in accordance with the new teaching guidelines announced in 2008. Of course, the Korean government and scholars were aware of MEXT's schedule for announcement of textbook review results in late March. They called on the Japanese government to postpone the announcement of textbook review results in order not to undermine the amicable relations between the two countries, to no avail. Japan went on to announce the screening results on March 30, emphasizing that history education should be reinforced for Dokdo. As such, most media expected that it would strain the bilateral relations.

However, we saw different results. Although some Internet users were outraged by the new of textbook screening results and the amount of fundraising for Japan had diminished, there were no other serious events that further worsened the situation. The Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade made it clear from the beginning that humanitarian aid and historical disputes are two different things. It means that Korea would take a firm action against distortions of history in textbooks by diplomatic protest and strengthening effective rule over Dokdo, while providing humanitarian aid to Japan. Academic circles and media supported the government's policies, and most important of all, Koreans stayed calm and accepted these policies. Although some Koreans expressed anger toward Japan whose people continue to make issues with territories amid an enormous national crisis, most Koreans were patient enough to control their anger. It means that they respect their counterparts.

Separating Korea-Japan Cooperation from Historical Issues

The recent events tell us how much Korean society has matured in terms of awareness and understanding, and also present us with important clues to finding the solutions for historical disputes between the two countries. Korea should play a leading role in solving the remaining historical issues by strategically separating bilateral cooperation with Japan from historical disputes and connecting them from a long-term perspective. It can be said that Koreans' sense of moral superiority and their inferiority complex to Japan have made it more difficult to handle territorial and historical disputes between Korea and Japan. When there occurred historical issues such as the Dokdo issue, Koreans feel strong feelings against Japan and all other important issues disappear from our eyes. However, Korea has become a more mature society and we now have the social and psychological conditions to look at Japan from a calm and objective point of view. In addition, Koreans feel the need for embracing "others" and understanding them as Korea moves toward a multicultural society. Accordingly, it is now possible to strategically separate Korea-Japan cooperation from historical disputes.

If the Democratic Party of Japan, with relatively progressive and Asia-oriented diplomatic policies, holds a flawed view on territorial issues, we cannot afford to expect that Japan will easily change their mind to the direction we want. Historical issues and territorial disputes will continue in the future. We need to maintain an objective perspective regarding historical issues between the two countries, continue to carry out in-depth research, and prepare concrete principles before confronting Japan.

Korea and Japan have developed friendly relations in the past few years. Last year Japanese Prime Minister, Kan Naoto, released a statement apologizing for the damage caused by Japan's brutal colonial rule, and the two countries signed an agreement on the return of Korean royal books from Japan. In addition, Koreans have shown maturity and generosity in response to the earthquake and consequent disasters; Japanese deeply appreciate them; and Korea-Japan relations have warmed accordingly. Such amicable and friendly atmosphere makes it possible for us to present breakthroughs to historical issues, rather than zero-sum confrontation between the two countries.

We need to pursue realistic and productive solutions when dealing with historical disputes, carrying out in-depth research and responding to Japan with clear logic and supporting documents. With the emergence of China, "downgrading" of Japan and Korea's continued growth, it is more likely that Korea and Japan will remain as friendly neighbors and continue to cooperate with each other. Crisis offers great opportunities, and historical issues between Korea and Japan will ultimately contribute to further advancing the bilateral relations and enhancing mutual cooperation.