2015, Vol., No.96

Korea’s Liberation from Japan in 1945 from the US Perspective

Park, TaeGyun | 2015, (96) | pp.1~30 | number of Cited : 3

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The Chinese National Party Government's Scheme of Korean Peninsula and Korea Before and After 1945 Korea's Liberation

Kim Ji Hoon | 2015, (96) | pp.31~70 | number of Cited : 5

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In September 1944, the Chinese National Party (CNP) government, led by its Foreign Affairs Department, began the serious discussion of Korea's problems. They reviewed the strengths and weaknesses of various measures, including the joint international management of Korean Peninsula, sending advisors to Korea to govern the country, and an immediate provision of independence to Korea. As a result, the CNP government, together with the U.S., U.K., etc., planned to send Chinese troops to Korean Peninsula to govern the country under military control, and to establish a pro-China government led by the provisional Korean government operating in Chongqing. China intended to let Korea become a pro-China independent nation so as to stop Japan's readiness to gather strength for the renewed attack, and to prevent Russia from getting involved in Korea. Chiang Kai-shek was passive about the joint international control of Korea, because he was worried that such joint control would hamper China's restoration of sovereignty of northeast region. Right after 1945 Korea's liberation, CNP's plan for Korea was a joint control of the country by the four countries, the U.S., the U.K., China, and Russia, which scheme was endorsed by the U.S. After Korea's liberation as well, the CNP government, led by its military committee, began the discussion of Korea's problems. The CNP government intended to form the Korean government in supportive of Korea's provisional government and liberation troops. After Korea's liberation as well, the CNP government continued to support Korea's provisional government and Kim Gu. This support program included political support for Korea's independence and government establishment, and economic support. But amid the political landscape in the U.S. and Russian military political period, the political power influence of the provisional Korean government and Kim Gu, - which China expected to be strong - gradually declined. Alongside this development, the CNP government influence over Korean Peninsula declined over time. After April 1947 when Rhee Syngman visited the CNP government, the CNP government began economic aid to Rhee Syngman. Such attitude change is considered the result of China highly evaluating Rhee Syngman's influence in Korea's political circles.

The Participation of the Soviet Army in Anti-Japanese War and Russia's Views on the Liberation of Korea

Kee Kwang Seo | 2015, (96) | pp.71~96 | number of Cited : 9

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Korean Independence and 70 Years Thereafter: Japanese Colonial Rule and Post-War Settlement

Woondo Choi | 2015, (96) | pp.97~134 | number of Cited : 1

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What did the Korean liberation of 1945 mean to Japan? Why is it important to Korea of today? Japanese perception of disparagement and degradation on Koreans, which began to be formed since early modern period had been expanded and reproduced throughout the colonial period. Koreans were discriminated as an inferior being but they were mobilized during the war on an equal basis as one of Emperor's soldiers and as one of Empire's subjects. Japanese has been perceiving Koreans based on double standards. When the war was over and Japan had to embrace its own defeat, Japanese society went through with apathy toward Koreans. When its own interest is at stake, as was in war reparations and the treatment of Koreans in Japan, they viewed Koreans only as the subject of its own colonial rule but neither as Japanese citizens nor as the citizens of Allied powers. This perception is reflected into the legal frameworks of the San Francisco Peace Treaty and Korea-Japan Treaty of 1965. Excluded from the list of signature countries in San Francisco Peace Treaty, Korea had to face the negotiation table for property claims against Japan in a disadvantageous position. Even though Korea's limited claims on war-time damages excluding the reparations on Japan's colonial rule was not considered in the pearce treaty and had be dealt in the separate bilateral negotiation. The illegality and invalidity of the Annexation Treaty of 1910 was not confirmed in the Korea-Japan Treaty and the issue was stitched up without final decision. The economic aid, which was the main topic in the process of negotiation was interpreted as the fund for the claims against Japan by Koreans and as the congratulatory donation for independence. Because of this ambivalence, Japan has kept avoiding its legal responsibility for individual reparations and compensation during the last 70 years. Korean liberation, as long as the bilateral relationship between Korea and Japan is concerned, will be completed only when Japan changes its perception on Koreans and accepts the invalidity of the Annexation Treaty of 1910.

The Political situation of three kingdoms and the significance of Danghang-fortress battle in the early 7th C

HWANGBO Kyung | 2015, (96) | pp.135~172 | number of Cited : 15

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As Danghang-fortress was the key position of diplomacy to China after the occupation of Han-river basin during the period of King Jinheung of Shilla, it was the place which must defend staking the national destiny. Whereas, Backje and Gogurye had to block up the point because they bore the burden of Su or Dang’s Dynasty interference when they attacked Shilla. Finally in 642, Backje's King Uija captured approximately the 40 castles and Daeya-fortress. At the same time it attacked the Danghang-fortress with Gogurye. The reason why Danghang-fortress became a target was to obtain the bridehead for attacking the royal road through attacking Daeya-fortress. it also meant that they couldn’t send a envoy to Dang. But Backje hadn’t been enough strong if for attacking Danghang-fortress lonely. So it asked Gogurye to send the troops. As for the request of military support from Backje, Gogurye accepted that because it retaliated against Shilla for the defeat of Nangby-fortress and Chiljung-fortress battle in the past. In oder to attack Danghang-fortress quickly Gogurye and Backje might use the naval forces than the army. There supposed to be intensive battle between Deuckjeck-island and Danghang-fortress. As the result of the battle, Backje and Gogurye failed to gain secure Danghang-fortress because they could not overcome the difference between the rise and fall of the tide and the geographical conditions. Through this battle, Shilla came to know(identified) the reality of Gogurye and Backje’s alliance and Shilla could inform the fact to Dan and it developed their favorable relations with Dang. So they requested Dang to send out the military forces. Even though Danghang-fortress battle had been considered a kind of one-time regional war thus far, in fact, it occurred under Backje’s deliberate plan. Although this battle couldn’t be blocked Danghang-fortress by Backje and Gogurye, this it is significant that the aim of conducting of the battle was to break the diplomatic relations between Shilla and Dang. Also we need to pay attention to the fact that Backje used different tactics when he attacked Shilla compared to the battle in the past.

The Battle of Unju led by King Wang Geon of Koryo dynasty and Geungjun’s Role

Kim, Myeongjin | 2015, (96) | pp.173~208 | number of Cited : 18

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The implication of general of the Righteous Armies, Kwak Jae-Woo’s Raising Righteous Army in Ui-Ryeong

Jaeho Choi | 2015, (96) | pp.209~250 | number of Cited : 1

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Kwak Jae-Woo(郭再祐) was the first person to raise Righteous Army during Im-Jin-Wae-Ran(壬辰倭亂), and in this paper I intend to analyze and research into the significance and background of his raising righteous army in Ui-Ryeong(宜寧). Firstly, I have given insight to the historical background and significance of the raising in Ui-Ryeong. as discussed in previous researches, the reasons why the continuous defeats of Cho-Seon in the early stages of Im-Jin-Wae-Ran were due to disorder in military administration and slackened discipline in national defence; however this paper puts emphasis on the necessity of looking into the exterior influential factor of the Japan, the world’s strongest military powerhouse at that time. In addition, I have discussed how his competence as a commander of the Righteous Army was possible to be formed, since Kwak was also a general who has outstanding realistic judgment and a sense of neutrality; and also the solidarity of the Ui-Ryeong troops. Secondly, I argued that Kwak’s raising of the Righteous Army in Ui-Ryeong contains more significance than just being the first, since he was able to raise the Army albeit the deficient conditions, especially centered around his relationship with Seon-Jo(宣祖). Moreover, I have examined the fact that Kwak’s raising gave peace to the unstable public at that time, and served as a catalyst for other raising of righteous armies to occur. Thirdly, I have confirmed that the strategic effects of the raising army in Ui-Ryeong is not just limited to local defence of Kyeong-Sang-Woo-Do(慶尙右道) beyond that it provides a turning point to the Choseon government to protect Ho-Nam(湖南) and the naval forces bases, restrain the exile of Seon-Jo and lead the participation of Myung(明) troops into war. In the thesis I have examined the defense strategies that Kwak adopted to fight against the Japanese troops three major skills, bird-rifle(鳥銃), sword- wielding, charging at enemies and defense strategies adopted when positioned in a river. Among recent researches on the history of Im-Jin-Wae-Ran Righteous Army are at standstill. I proudly present this paper, as I wish this paper serves as a catalyst of more academic endeavors on the Im-Jin-Wae-Ran Righteous Army.

A Consideration on Gimhwa Baekjeon(栢田) Combat during the Manchu Invasion of 1636(Byeongjahoran, 丙子胡亂)

권순진 | 2015, (96) | pp.251~282 | number of Cited : 1

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This is a study on Gimhwa Baekjeon(栢田) combat during the Manchu Invasion to Choseon(Byeongjahoran, 丙子胡亂). As the Gimhwa Baekjeon combat was a battle that broke out in the whole area of Baekjeon to the south of the former Gimhwahyeon during Byeongjahoran(the Manchu war of 1636), it has been known as the top two combat sites with victory during Byeongjahoran together with the Mt. Gwanggyo combat of Yongin. However, it existed a point that the history of its combat failed to be properly illuminated due to the lack of an interest by both the military and the academic circles. As a result of the research, a name of a battle has been called ‘Baekdong combat’, ‘Tapdong combat’, or ‘Gimhwa combat.’ However, it is thought to be likely good to call it as “Gimhwa Baekjeon combat” in the future because of having been the battle that both the armies fiercely fought in the adjacent area, namely, in the whole area of Baekjeon as for a mutual enemy named Cheong(淸). Also, seeing it through many ancient literature records, the battle area is judged to be more appropriate to regard the Baekjeon combat site as the whole area of Baeksubong in Eupnae-ri of the present to the south of the former Gimhwahyeon, and the whole area of Seongju gogae and Chungryeolsa temple, rather than clearly stating it as Baekdong/ Tapdong within DMZ(de-militarized zone). Second, examining it in the aspect of the defense deployment in the Hong-myeong-gu army and the Yu-rim army, the Hong-myeong-gu army can be said to have been strong in a will to positively fight with burning the bridges with the desperate mind rather than taking the defensive attitude by entering to be protected by fortress. On the other hand, the Yu-rim army could steer this combat to victory with preoccupying the advantageous defensive position, with installing effective obstacle, with the fire control, and with the deception operation. Finally, it is judged to be necessarily made a battlefield as a site of vivid history with patriotism and a conquest for a national crisis by being imminently preceded a detailed investigation on a battle zone.

A Study on the decision process of Operational Command Authority of Korean Forces in Vietnam

Lee Sin Jae | 2015, (96) | pp.283~322 | number of Cited : 6

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The Vietnamese Sources of Materials Related to North and South Korea, focusing on the Vietnam War period (1954-1975)

Do , Thanh Thao Mien

| 2015, (96) | pp.323~362 | number of Cited : 7

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This paper introduces the research materials related to North and South Korea during the Vietnam War period from the side of Vietnam, in order to tackle the limitations resulted from the current shortage of primary sources. In the other words, it investigates and introduces the sources of materials that exist in Vietnam on the issues of 1) diplomatic relations between South Korea and South Vietnam and the participation of South Korea in the Vietnam War; and 2) diplomatic relations between North Korea and North Vietnam and North Korean assistance for the Vietnam War. The Vietnam War in the history of Vietnam was defined as a history that lasted for 30 years from 1954 to the 30 of April of 1975. Geographically speaking, Vietnam is a long country which experienced division, war and reunion. Thus, the process of investigating and introducing the sources of materials from within Vietnam, with the focus on the Vietnam War period, was synonymous with digging and collecting the materials of a long historical period of 30 years. It is also about investigating and introducing the material sources that North Vietnam (a socialist regime) and South Vietnam (a capitalist state) as well as the current united Vietnam have published. The paper starts from the most important materials of Vietnam during the Vietnam War related to North and South Korea which are archived at the National Archive II and III. National Archive II and III reserve materials published by Vietnamese governmental offices and ministries. These precious materials show the very details of the relationships between North Korea and North Vietnam, South Korea and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, as well as the participation of South Korean troops in the war and North Korean assistance for North Vietnam. Interestingly, among official correspondences, exchanged letters between the governments, there even exist documents that were written in Korean language. These documents, as a result, are of great value for the Korean academia and research community. The paper continues by investigating and introducing a various types of materials such as newspapers, memoirs, books, et cetera, published by the Governments of North and South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. On the side of North Vietnam, the most popular newspapers published were Nhan dan, Quan Doi Nhan dan. Newspapers published by South Vietnam includes Duoc nha Nam, Tin sang, Tim hieu, Chan hung Kinh te. These newspapers had mentioned issues such as the division of Korean Peninsula; socio-economic situation of both North and South Korea; the relationships between North Korea and North Vietnam, South Korea and South Vietnam; the participation of South Korean troops in Vietnam and the fact that these South Korean troops were transferred to the North Korean government. Apart from newspapers, materials related to North and South Korea published by North Vietnam during the Vietnam War include a large number of books and memoirs. These materials mentioned issues such as the “solidarity community spirit” between North Korea and North Vietnam, the Korean War, the politics, education, culture, art and economy of North Korea. Nevertheless, memoirs or books related to North and South Korea in Southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War period were barely found. As a result, the proportion of these materials is relatively small. Although books and memoirs which had contents related to North Korea were published widely in North Vietnam, academic research or dissertation related to Korean peninsula in North Vietnam is unfound even until lately. Meanwhile, according to this research results, research achievements related to North and South Korea published by South Vietnam includes two undergraduate dissertations, which were written in the 1970s. Last but not least, research achievements related to North and South Korea by Vietnam in the current period are mainly Master’s and Ph.D. dissertations and books which cover the relationship between South Korea and South Vietnam, the participation of South Korean troops, the assistance of North Korea to North Vietnam and the North-South Korean relations. In the process of investigating these secondary sources, the characteristics of the Vietnam War presented through researches among Vietnamese academia are clearly shown. Equally perceived is the standpoint of Vietnamese government regarding issues related to North and South Korea.

Russia and Island ‘Dokdo' based on the History of relations between Korea-Russia

박종효 | 2015, (96) | pp.363~393 | number of Cited : 0

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A Study on the Historical Understanding of “Anticipatory Self-Defense” and the Justification of a Preemptive Attack against the Nuclear Threat of North Korea

기석호 | 2015, (96) | pp.395~445 | number of Cited : 2

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The purpose of this thesis is to establish the proper understanding of 'Anticipatory Self-Defense' and, as being the present and critical issue at the Korean Peninsular, to seek the Justice of a ‘Preemptive Attack’ as the correspondence concept of response to a nuclear threat of North Korea. Republic of Korea government has adopted ‘Active-Positive Deterrence Strategy’ which is a military strategy against North Korea to overcome a practical nuclear threat itself of North Korea. The basic concept of this strategy, when being acquired the indications of provocation of a attack of nuclear by North Korea, is of Positive Deterrence Strategy based Anticipatory Self-Defense which eliminate nuclear threats and the facilities of conduct of a war on North Korea in advance by preemptive attacks which have the method of attack with dominant power. It is not the concept of Preventive war of Bush Doctrine(Anticipatory Doctrine) to lay out a preemptive attack to the probability of provocation of North Korea. But it is very limited way of attack which can be only applied to a nuclear threat of North Korea under such conditions of urgent situation. This attack should be planned and developed in the concept of Anticipatory Self-Defense, which should be built on the urgency of risk and the limited use of armed force. It is a compelling deterrence to North Korea that is necessary the best way to prevent nuclear war. because it is based on the sure the threat of loss to which a aggressor with the probability of provocation can not accept. But this threat, when it is happen at an unexpected situation and the sufficient protection of nuclear war, is composed by a notice to enemy country against which this threat can be carried out by its intention and will. Therefore, the focus of deterrence of war by nuclear weapon has not an intention to destroy enemy, but if the enemy set his face to tyranny they should be undergone to the threat of perishment. Therefore a deterrence to North Korea should be thoroughly to keep a balance against threat and invasion of North Korea. On this wise, it is suggested to emphasize that the responsibility of government is the deterrence of war by building up stronger deterrence to North Korea rather than now. Even though, if it should be inevitably needed to launch a preemptive attack, as it was previously stated, it must be an attack which is against limited objectives and limited areas the by sophisticated the cutting edge of weapons. That is, it can be only justified to launch a preemptive attack by the methods of attack of which is modernized and being precise, being distinguished the situation of nuclear from the situation of non-nuclear under such conditions that are met by the principle of balance and distinction, so that it does not incur civilian damage.

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military history 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.94

2015, Vol., No.96