Newsletter

Lee Young-ho takes office as 6th President of the Northeast Asian History Foundation

On December 29, Lee Young-ho took office as the 6th President of the Northeast Asian History Foundation.

President Lee received his Ph.D. in Korean Modern History from Seoul National University and served as a professor of history at Inha University since 1995. He has been a chairman of the Korean History Society, an advisory committee member of the Koguryo Research Foundation, and an advisory committee member of the Pro-Japanese collaborator's property, and has been working to establish Northeast Asia's history correctly.

In his inaugural address, he said: "Let's make our goal to realize a peace regime in East Asia, and build a system that coexists and cooperates." He offered five ways for NAHF to develop, calling on all employees to cooperate. First, the quality of research is improved so that it can be noticed in domestic and foreign academia. Second, we must develop policies at all times and respond with agility to meet the needs of the state and the people. Third, we should take an active stance on how to educate history and how to promote it. Fourth, a stable administrative system should be operated. Fifth, it should be developed into an organization that communicates and cooperates.

International Academic Conference

<The Present Status and Future of ‘Sexual Slavery Victims 

for the Japanese Imperial Army’ Issue>

NAHF held an international academic conference on December 8th under the theme of <The Present Status and Future of ‘Sexual Slavery Victims for the Japanese Imperial Army’ Issue - How to succeed and educate>. In this academic conference, we examined the sexual slave victims for the Japanese imperial army issue from the perspective of 'education and memory' and discussed various aspects of how to remember and educate this problem from the perspective of consideration for victims and peace and human rights.

The conference was attended by experts, activists, and journalists from home and abroad, including Professor Emeritus Jeong Jin-sung of Seoul National University, Professor Alexis Dudden of Connecticut University, and Mitsuko Hirai of public middle school teacher in Osaka Prefecture. Based on the coverage of 'The Peace Monument' in Berlin, A Memorial for 'comfort women' established in the U.S., we examined the international community's perception of sexual slavery victims for the Japanese imperial army. This was broadcast live on YouTube, and the video will be posted on NAHF's website later.

Academic Seminar

<Historical Dialogue and Historical Reconciliation in the View of Foreign Students in Korea>

NAHF invited foreign students studying culture and history in Korea on December 8. And we held an academic seminar on 'Historical Dialogue and Historical Reconciliation in Northeast Asia'.

Dr. Duong Thi Thanh Phuong(Inha University, Department of Multicultural Education, Vietnam) presented examples of historical reconciliation between Vietnam and Korea, and Lee Jung-cheong(ABD, Korea University, Department of History, China) presented the history and culture of Korea and China, which were twisted, and Sakiko Shinkai(ABD, Seoul National University, Department of Korean History, Japan) presented the possibility of exchange and cooperation between history and media centered on Silla's foreign relations.

Presenters said we should collaborate and discuss based on positive historical experiences rather than East Asian historical conflicts. They agreed that East Asian countries should not be disparaged without reason. They emphasized that the common historical consciousness of Northeast Asia should be formed based on the global historical perspective, mutual exchange and understanding, principle of respect that replaces nationalism and cultural narrowness. NAHF will continue to hold academic seminars to invite foreign students.

Idea Contest on the Expansion and Relocation of the Dokdo Museum Seoul

NAHF has plans to expand and relocate The Dokdo Museum Seoul. This is to actively respond to the expansion of the National Museum of Territory and Sovereignty in Tokyo and Japan’s distortion of history related to Dokdo. It is also intended to convey the correct information about Dokdo to foreigners and to educate Dokdo with accurate contents. So we're trying to improve access to the museum, and move to better facilities and places(Time Square in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul).

NAHF will hold an idea contest on the expansion and relocation of the Dokdo Museum Seoul until January 31st. Ideas on space design, exhibition planning, programs, and amenities can be received through the website(www.dokdo-contest.co.kr).

Good idea providers will be awarded the Grand Prize, Best Prize, Excellence Prize, and Encouragement Prize, and will be applied to the Dokdo Museum Seoul. NAHF will create a variety spaces related to Dokdo and show an exhibition where visitors can participate, combining new technologies based on the fourth industry.