More S Koreans rate Japan as 'most-disliked country:' poll
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rjd_jr
How 'mature' of them. Apparently only Japan is allowed to have such negative attitudes toward them and everyone looks the other way. The island dispute is a joke, it was only an issue when they discovered valuable deposits there. Nice way of stirring up the animosity and childish sentiments.
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OssanULTRA
China has the glorious past history. Japan has the modern 20th century miracle. A entire country with an inferiority complex. But who can blame them?
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vg866
If Japan actually bothered to improve relations rather than childishly starting disputes over islands Korea controls or digging up the past with faulty textbooks, insensitive remarks and warshrines. This entire debacle would be minimal.
And to any of you Japan apologists who think otherwise, Korea has every right to dislike the Japanese. Especially after what the Japanese did to them, what they are still doing to them and Japans pathetic "efforts" to improve relations. Japan must first realize who the true victim is.
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franz75
OssanULTRA: Korea has been invaded and destroyed so many times by its neighbours. Inferiority complex?
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vg866
Wow Ossan you know your facts for sure. Koreans dislike the Japanese not because of the decades of brutal colonization they had to endure. Not because of the forced labor and slavery brought upon their people. Not because of the humiliation, theft, murder and rape of their country. Not because of the countless thousands who lost their lives and livlihood for no reason. Nor is it the denials, warcrime visits, whitewashing, arrogance, discrimination and territorial disputes they endure in the modern era.
No, its because they are jealous of Japan having a larger economy. Yeah that explains everything.
/end sarcasm
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DeepAir65
sure the feeling is mutual but they do need some world politics education along with most Asian countries and Americans
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Alphaape
I am going to show this to my wife. She is Japanese and she sometimes lives in the "bubble" that all the world likes Japan and if the US would straighten up our act we would be more liked. I guess she never really stopped looking through the rose colored glasses to see that Japan is not as liked as much as many of her citizens would like to think.
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chibaman
Good idea. The Japanese like their inward beliefs shattered.
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timeon
big deal, most of the Japanese don't like Korea either. except the chicks and Yon-sama, of course
but I thought Korean tourists are on top of the foreign tourist list?
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rjd_jr
You are correct timeon, foreign visitors to Japan hit record numbers this year, 4.3 million during first half of this year, and South Koreans made up the biggest numbers at 1.3 million rising from last year.
But ignoring the Japanese that love Korean culture, and are very cognizant of what their country did in the past, and so on and so forth, the very same people here excusing any anti Japanese sentiment from any nation in the world would then cry up a storm if there were Japanese polls suggesting anti Korean sentiments. Never mind that the current generation have absolutely nothing to do with what their ancestors did, nor have any moral responsibility or accountability to acknowledge it, anymore than the citizens of any other country.
And replace this poll with the citizens of any country having a negative opinion of the country of the haters here, and voila, it's time to attack the citizens. But never in the case of Japan, as double standards always apply.
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Seiharinokaze
The same survey also reported that they rated Japan as the 1st country that Korea should learn and follow. Most Japanese don't care about such Korean whimsical complex. Better socialize coolly with them.
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sarcasm123
The first thing my friend (who has no special interest in Japan at all) said to me after returning from a visit to South Korea was: "Man, do they have an inferiority complex!!"
Is it pure accident or not, I don't know, but about half of the South Koreans I have met so far were oozing with self confidence... They were going to do this and this, and solve this and that problem, and if I ever had a problem with this or that I could always ask them as they were specialists in the field, etc etc... Needless to say, most of it turned out to be pure bluff.
Coincidence? I fear not...
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stanoue
No surprises here.
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usaexpat
If the US is the most favored country at 18% does that not indicate that the majority of Koreans don't view anyone favorably? As for Japan hating, well that's a national passtime and yet Korean citizens come here as tourists and spend boatloads of money. Contradictions abound in this world.
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OssanULTRA
Yes, inferority complex. How many times has Korea been invaded and destroyed by Japan? It was inavaded twice by Hideyoshi and both times were a failure. Kind of offsets the fact that Korea together with Chinese and their Mongol leaders invaded Japan twice too, again both times being faulires. Korea was never invaded in the 20th century as it was annexed and became part of Imperial Japan. China had fought wars on Korean soil since rhe days of the Tang Dynasty. The Russians also fought the Japanese on Korean soil. Korea has been cursed with being a strategically attractive geographical location, so as I said, who can blame them?
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OssanULTRA
Yes I do. The Koreans under Japanese colonial rule both suffered as a people as all colonial subjects do, and simultanously were brought forward to a modern age with railroads, schools and infrastructure, as Korea had refused to accept modernization as being "westernization". In other words, Korea both suffered and gained from being annexed by Imperial Japan. Except that suddenly after WWII Koreans have gone into complete denial about one half of the story. That ther were some 240,000 Koreans, far in excess of IJA recruitment quotas servinbg in the Imperial Japanese military fighting the allies is another part of history that Koreans deny. And many of those men were promoted to high ranking officers and all of them had access to the "Comfort Women" brothels- another aspect of history that Korea likes to ignore. I could go on and on with the other side of history about which most Koreans are either unaware or in denial.
No, Japan having a larger economy alone is not the reason. Korea as a nation suffered throughout most of it's history at the hands of foreign powers and in the early 20th century was subjugated by Imperial Japan. Comes WWII and Imperial Japanm is destroyed, but instead of reaping the benfits of the liberation obtained from the allies, Korea is once again thrown into a mess with the US and USSR/PRC. Meantime Japan goes from a totally bombed out destroyed nation to the 2nd largest economic power in the world, is treated with respect and coddled by the western powers. Meantime Korea is split in two and SKorea has to struggle to rise to where it has come now.Doesn't sound very fair does it? It certainly doesn't to me. To be fair, that rise has alot to do not only with the SKorean's efforts but with money and technology received from "big brother Japan". Hell, I'd have a complex about this as well.
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OssanULTRA
Frankly, I don't think most Japanese care what Koreans may think. True they care what the "world" thinks of them. But the "world" to most Japanese means the US and Europe.
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mareo2
LOL, is funny reading these things from SK media.
http://joongangdaily.joins.com/article/view.asp?aid=2895206
In some way remeberme the opinions about USA.
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OssanULTRA
This article is interesting in that the poll results in SKorea differ from those in China where SKorea is the most disliked, even more than Japan. http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/7472
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MeanRingo
I've had S Kor students who I've asked to point out India on a map and they've confidently pointed to Africa. My point being, are they even truly aware of which country is which? Is this truly a fair question to put to the South Korean populace? Furthermore, these brilliant geographers when put in a room with even more brilliant geographers from Japan were able to become long lasting friends with each other.
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Dogdog
This sounds like something Aso might say, but even he would realize, before he said it, that this is dumb...
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nigelboy
Keep it up South Korea.
I too agree with Ossan in that most Japanese don't care what Koreans think.
But keep this up and soon Korea will be ranked top on the question of
"Which nation do you prefer to hate Japan the most?"
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vg866
Ossan. What does size of the economy have to do with South Koreans disliking the Japanese over colonization, warcrime denials and territorial spats? I cannot see the ridiculous correlation you are making.
Your understanding of history is also faulty. Japan lost to Korea twice during Hideyoshis invasion attempt as you stated but the damage done to Korea was immense. And the war was completely unnecessary and only caused innocent Korean casualties. You excusing Japan just because they lost the war is downright sad. Assaulting someone on the street and then losing the fight is still assault. Your baseless claim that Koreans organized and helped the Mongol invasion is just ridiculous. The Mongols organized the invasion, not the Koreans. Japan wouldnt have survived the Mongol invasion had it not been for the Koreans who sabotaged Mongol ships and gave advanced warning. They intentionally built faulty ships and components that would fall apart during even weak typhoons. Hence the reason why most Mongol ships sank to the bottom of the sea, while Korean ships did not have so much as a scratch on them. Japan didnt beat the Mongols by themselves or even with the help of the storm. It was Korea who saved Japan.
"""Yes I do. The Koreans under Japanese colonial rule both suffered as a people as all colonial subjects do, and simultanously were brought forward to a modern age with railroads, schools and infrastructure, as Korea had refused to accept modernization as being "westernization". """
Why dont you actually go read up on Koreas reforms before annexation. Especially during Queen Mins time. Korea was well on its way to modernization. It seems you do not bother looking at alternative sources and prefer to read only biased right wing Japanese sources that are mocked and ridiculed by the rest of the world.
More importantly, Korea never ASKED Japan to invade their country and "modernize" them. You excusing colonization as something good for the Koreans, is just another example of why the Koreans do not like the Japanese. Of course youre going to retort by claiming that Koreans have some kinda of imaginary inferiority complex over this. As if that made any sense.
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vg866
""That ther were some 240,000 Koreans""
Is that your best example? Are you forgetting the fascism and propaganda Korea had to endure by the Japanese military? Keyword: propaganda. Are you forgetting the absurd amount of brainwashing Koreans had to endure during Japanese colonization? Or the fact that the Japanese military and government controlled all Korean schools, press, media and information.
Why no mention of the Japanese government raping Korea of its resources. Employing slave labor and taxing the hell out of the populace. To the point where Koreans had no where else to turn to support their family other then joining the military? And what about all those Koreans who were forced to join the military at gunpoint? Seems to me, you have a terribly understanding of real history.
"""It certainly doesn't to me. To be fair, that rise has alot to do not only with the SKorean's efforts but with money and technology received from "big brother Japan". Hell, I'd have a complex about this as well."""
Are you kidding me? Most of the benefits Korea reaps today comes from the US as well as the fighting done during the Vietnam war. And since you brought up the Mongol invasion earlier, why not mention Koreas role in creating Japanese during the Wa period. In historical terms, Korea is the older brother and Japan is the younger brother. Chinese historical text supports this and so does the tributary system. Korea is also the older country and Japan has been regarded as the younger brother for most of the last 2000 years.
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nigelboy
It appears this is a new phenemena "imagined/made up" among the kyopos and Koreans.
Yes. The root of Korean inferiority complex.
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OssanULTRA
Every textbook regartding ASian history in the United States states that it was annexed. Further reading into the subject shows that said annexation was considred legal and accepted by the nations in power at the time. If you believe that Korea was not annexed in 1910 please provide your source.
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OssanULTRA
Please read what I wrote again. I stated that "No, Japan having a larger economy alone is not the reason"
Not faulty at all.Everything I wrote is a fact. You simply are embelishing it with Korean suffering which is obvious if there was an invasion.
Wrong again. I never excused anyone. Please read what I wrote again.
Yes it is ridiculous. Not only did I never state that the Koreans "organized" the attacks on Japan, they were subjugated by the Mongols who controlled China at the time and in no position of power to "organize" anything. However the Mongol Armada did leave from Korea.
Intersting korea-centric history. So you are suggesting that the Koreans who were sunjects of the Mongols betrayed them? Prehaps you could provide a non-Korean source to support this very interesting aspect of history?
"""Yes I do. The Koreans under Japanese colonial rule both suffered as a people as all colonial subjects do, and simultanously were brought forward to a modern age with railroads, schools and infrastructure, as Korea had refused to accept modernization as being "westernization". """
Why dont you actually go read up on Koreas reforms before annexation. Especially during Queen Mins time. Korea was well on its way to modernization. It seems you do not bother looking at alternative sources and prefer to read only biased right wing Japanese sources that are mocked and ridiculed by the rest of the world.
Japanese sources from the mid 1800s to pre WWII are not ridiculed at all by the rest of the world. This is especially so because the information isn't loaded with militarist driven propaganda at that time. Furthermore, I haven't read and therefore can not base my views on any Japanese sources, as I rely solely on US souces.
No one ever stated that. In fact I can't really think of many colonies that ASKED to be colonized. But that Japan did in fact modernize Korea as one of their colonies is a known fact.
I am not excusing anything. I am merely pointing out that Koreans both suffered and gained under Japanese colonization but that Koreans are in denial about the latter part. This is indicative of the bitter hatred they hold for Japan. Clearly the inferiority complex is not imaginary.
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OssanULTRA
Are you denying this fact?
Not at all. Koreans were given Japanese citizenship and taight to worship the Emperor of Japam. That's brainwashing. And the brainwashing today's Koreans get with their ultra nationaliosm and denial of their role in WWII is on a par with that.
Many Koreans did indeed suffer. But many Koreans acted of their own free will. Many Koreans immigrated to Japan well prior to WWII for the simple reason that Japan was a richer economy and mnoney could be made, the same reasons that all people immigrate. The numbers of Koreans who enlisted far exceeded the Imperal Japanese military quotas, in other words they joined of their own free will. No records of Koreans being recruited at gunpoint exists because there was never any need to.
"""It certainly doesn't to me. To be fair, that rise has alot to do not only with the SKorean's efforts but with money and technology received from "big brother Japan". Hell, I'd have a complex about this as well."""
Hyundai couldn't have built cars without Mitsubishi Motors help. They couldn'ty hve built ships without Kawasaki Heavby Industries. Would Samsung be where it is today in TVs without Sony?
I really think you're going too far back as far as this discussion goes but back then there was no Korea, there were different kingdoms. By the time Japan was called Wa,the Yamato kingdom already has become allies with Paekche and unsuccesfully fought the combined forces of Silla and Tang China. At that time the Korean and Japanese languages were completely different. There was much trade with the Korean penninsula for sure, but I don't see how Korea "created" Japan. If they had one wouldn't be able to genetically distinguish between Koreans and Japanese which you can.
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dennis0bauer
so annexing Korea is similair to invading irak? And the politicians in those times did not care about people but getting more power for their own countries.
Moderator: All readers back on topic please.
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Kameleon
1,200 South Koreans dislike Japan...
I bet you can find a whole lot more JAPANESE people that dislike Japan!
So because 1,200 South Koreans dislike Japan, Japan is a bad country?
So what?! The rest of us don't give a rats what those 1,200 people think or do with their lives.
Next topic.
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Xennon
/yawn
I think S. Korea needs a hug.
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presto345
I am sure you will appreciate that and love you more than before.
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presto345
That was wrong of course. I am sure she will . . . is better.
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presto345
Modern rich south korea is where it is today because massive import of technology, stealing of technology (I'm not blaming them), and illegal copying of just about anything you could think of, except kimchi. But they worked really hard at that, I have to give them that. But they should also learn their history and stop whining.
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Sarge
"The United States was named the first "most-liked country" by 18% of repondents"
Gosh, the Koreans don't really like other countries much, do they?
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FrEcKlEfAcE
You would have to be arrogant, ignorant or just not really care, to not understand why Japan rates as 'most-disliked country' if viewed from a Korean perspective. Just my view.
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MASSWIPE
Boy, this is a predictable thread, with the nigelboy/seiharinokaze/OssanULTRA crowd coming out and marching in unthinking lock-step (like brainwashed Japan-hating Koreans, oddly enough), extolling the "virtues" of Japanese colonization of Korea and declaring that most Japanese really, truly do not care what Koreans think about them.
Why do you repeatedly emphasize this 2nd point? Why is it so important for you to let the world know that Japanese really don't care what Koreans think of them? Maybe the Japanese don't care what Koreans think of them, but you clearly care what Koreans think of the Japanese. Otherwise you wouldn't spend so much of your waking time posting comments here about it, right? So tell us, why do you care so much about the fact that large numbers of Koreans dislike Japan?
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ai_sumo
how about other asians(Chinese,Thai,Philipinos etc) and westerners...do they really LOOOVEEE japan?
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OssanULTRA
Masswipe
If you think that my writing "I am merely pointing out that Koreans both suffered and gained under Japanese colonization" is extolling the virtues of the Japanese colonization I honestly have to question your degree of comprehension.
I'm usually forced to comment on the fact that most Japanese, and most people on this planet for that matter don't give a rodent's hindquarters about what Koreans think because invariably someone will make a statement sugesting that the whole world not only cares deeply about what Korea thinks but that they completely side with Korea's views, which obviously simply isn't true.
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usaexpat
Arguing the finer points of colonization is irrelavent, the truth lies somewhere in the middle of Korean and Japanese takes on history. Though Ossan is completely right on this point Korea was not invaded it was sold out to Japan by one of their own. I don't care what this sample of Koreans think. These 1200 people are of the type that see brother Kim as better than Japan. I re-state that if the US takes the prize with 18% favorable rating these people don't like anyone.
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OssanULTRA
That's a good question. Someone should ask them. "The greatest part of the foreigners living in Japan come from Asia (74%), with Korea (32%), China (24%) and the Philippines (10%) leading. Whereas the Korean population has been steadily decreasing over the past 15 years, the number of Chinese residents has tripled over the same period. In fact, there are now 10 times more Chinese and almost 40 times more Filipinos than in 1980. The Koreans are more numerous in Osaka and Kobe, while the highest number of Chinese and Filipinos reside in the Greater Tokyo." http://www.jref.com/society/foreignersinjapan.shtml (Really cool pie chart graph here)
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CavemanLawyer
I have a big problem with the bolded part. Like father like son they say. If the current generation is ignorant of and ignores the past of their country, then are very likely to repeat its mistakes. Just look at the new PM. He looks back on Japanese Imperialism and sees only good things that were done.
Sweeping the past under the rug would be fine and dandy if it were not for people repeating it over and over.
Not saying the current gen needs to apologize or even be apologetic, but their ignorance of the shameful history of their country is a slap in the face.
--Cirroc
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nigelboy
To be precise, it was the economic impact during Korea's participation in the invasion of Vietnam along with the $800 million economic aid from Japan that made Korea what it is today. They'll leave that latter part out from their history books and call it the "Miracle on the Han River".
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Triring
Although I do not know how the samples were picked, statistically speaking in SK I believe 1,200 samples are enough to conform a nation opinion. So you can say that 57% of the SK population has anti-Japanese sentiment.
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presto345
Here lies the problem
BS
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Kameleon
So if it were 1,199 people, would Japan be a good country?!
What an arbitrary number of fickleness.
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USARonin
I thought America would've done better than 18% considerin' half of the South Korean population has relocated to the States in the last twenty-five years anyway.
Smart move if North Korea ever jumps.
USAR
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vg866
nigelboy
"""It appears this is a new phenemena "imagined/made up" among the kyopos and Koreans. Yes. The root of Korean inferiority complex."""
What inferiority complex? The one that you seem to exhibit? Oh thats funny. I could have sworn those facts came from foreign professors of non asian descent, historical records, documents and memoirs by foreigners who lived in Korea during the time. It appears to me that you lack the ability to make coherent and thoughtful arguments. Instead you resort to ad hominem by labeling any opinon no matter how factful as "imagined by kyopos". Sorry but the only thing imagined is japans twisted view of history. Particularly your view which you also seem to share with those black van driving outcasts. You have to ask yourself this. Why is it that the rest of the world always sides with Korea in these arguments? Is the world doing something wrong or is everyone else "wrong"?
Its not a case of Korean inferiority complex. More like a case of Japan having an inferiority complex over its shameful and disgraceful past which it does not want to acknowledge or let anyone know about. How proud you must be of your countries horrible deeds and the ultimate retribution your country recieved. That is the epitome of inferiority complex. And people like you and Ossan seem to prefer to accuse entire nations of having an inferiority complex simply because they do not want positive relations with a thoughtless, remorseless, arrogant country with a shameful past it does not want to admit. Modern territorial disputes, textbooks and warshrine visits doesnt help foster relations either.
How hypocritical you must feel when you bash North Koreans over the kidnappings of a mere 13 Japanese citizens. By your logic the Japanese have a huge inferiority complex over the North Koreans due to their constant whining over the abductions. Isnt it funny how easily your logic is quashed and turned against you?
Ossan
Annexation and Invasion are mere dictionary terms that cannot describe true history. Korea was invaded, go read about the Donghak rebeillion, forced unfair treaties and the fact that the Japanese army entered Korea without permission and refused to leave. Also look at Queen Min's assassination and the blatant force they used on Korea. It was an invasion in all but name.
You have yet to explain why Korea has an inferiority complex. Where did you exact this conclusion from? Is that your retort to South Koreas negative opinion on Japan? Nevermind the historical atrocities and wrongs committed by the Japanese. Nevermind the constant territorial disputes, denials and provocations by the Japanese. According to you, its all Koreas fault. Which makes no sense whatsover. On the same token, Japan is whining about the North Korea abductions because they have an inferiority complex. Funny how your logic and Nigels logic is so easily used against you guys.
Its not an inferiority complex buddy. You made that up because you have nothing better to say about Japans past. You have no legitimate excuse to counter Koreas legitimate distrust over historical and current wrongs. Its just another case of ad-hominem by a person who has no inteligent arguments to make. And you bring up the fact that Koreans were subjugated by the Mongols. Which pretty much shoots your own argument in the foot. Just earlier you stated that Korea and Japan were somehow even because of the Mongol invasion. Yet Koreans did not organized said invasion or actually did much. On the contrary, Korea was the sole reason why Japan survived the invasion. Mongol ships fell apart at sea due to faulty components and deliberate sabotage by Korean shipbuilders and soldiers. Its not a Korean centric view. Go google "Mongol invasions sabotage" on any search engine. While youre at it. Go google queen mins reforms. Koreans sabotaging Mongol ships is a fact that is supported by western scholars the world around. In fact, it is also widely supported by historians and archaeologist in Japan. Wreckage discovered also support faulty parts that were meant to break a part at sea.
No matter how many times you try to deny it, youre basically defending Japans annexation of Korea. You can deny it all you want, but its as clear as day. If you wern't defending them, then we wouldnt even be arguing in the first place. Your claim that Japanese annexation was partially good is absurd. Koreans never asked for Japanese modernization(aka slave labor). Furthermore why was Japan needed? Korea could have simply modernized with guidance by Europe and America. A direct source for modern technology and ideas. Rather than having to endure brutal opression and slavery while indirectly modernizing(for Japanese benefits only).
"""Not at all. Koreans were given Japanese citizenship and taight to worship the Emperor of Japam."""
Let me guess, were those Koreans the ones who did not good to school and instead were sent directly to the mines?
"""That's brainwashing. And the brainwashing today's Koreans get with their ultra nationaliosm and denial of their role in WWII is on a par with that."""
No Einstein. Theres little to no brainwashing in Korea. You assume that its brainwashing only because it goes against Japanese right wing nationalism which is notorious for denying Japans shameful past. If Koreans are "brainwashed" then would you mind telling me what they are brainwashed in? Koreans dont deny that some Koreans worked in the Japanese army. In fact its publicized, and they are derided as traitors. They have a word for them in Korean: Chinilpa.
"""Hyundai couldn't have built cars without Mitsubishi Motors help. They couldn'ty hve built ships without Kawasaki Heavby Industries. Would Samsung be where it is today in TVs without Sony?"""
And Japan couldnt have built any of those without the west and America. Your point? If Koreans were allowed to modernize by themselves directly through the west, there would be no need for the Japanese. Which pretty much shoots your argument to the ground.
And about Wa and the Yayoi. Japan prior to Korean immigration was nothing more than a backward isolated island full of hunter gatherer tribes. It was "Korea" who brought modernization to Japan. From rice farming, irrigation to chinese characters and metal work. The Jomon period lasted for thousands of years. And ended within under a century with the explosive rise of the Yayoi who replaced the Jomon. That modernization and technological leap did not happen so suddenly without help. It did not sponatenously erupt. More precisely a wave of Yayoi immigrants from the mainland came and with the aid of technology replaced the Jomon.
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Molenir
Blah, blah, blah...
Koreas great, Japan sucks. Thats all you had to say. Really. I got your message.
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vg866
So typical. Hey if you cant refute it, its automatically anti Japanese. What a joke.
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Matthew Moon
Ill say the s.koreans have sum reasons to hate japens because the island was ours n we even had our falgs up and with our military base with some buildings and when the disaster happened in japen koreans went there to help but the japens hated them for comming and the koreans might have lost there lands but they still got it bak n have had a long history when there lands little n oh actually koreas suppose to have half of chino but one of the korean leaders holded hands with chinese people so he had to hand it over when he died. so ill say u guys shouldnt say stuff about koreans.
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