CHAPTER 4: Historical Differences (II):
5.41. South Korea and Germany: A game-changing
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5.41. South Korea and Germany: A game-changing comparison
Much like Mr. Kim explained me to me in the previous section, Dr. Yuan agreed that many South Koreans are hopeful for a future reunification with the North because it is assumed that it would be democratic. He once again made the comparison with Germany, and illustrated parallel with the DPRK and the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
The neutral or supportive feelings of so many South Koreans to a future reunification with North Korea are in direct contrast with the neutral or supportive feelings of so many Taiwanese to a future reunification with Mainland China. It is because of the assumption that it will not be democratic, and the fact that unlike the PRC, the DPRK is an economically struggling bastion of poverty and global criticism. She is not by any means an expansionist like China, and therefore does not have the same strength to control the ROK economically. It is for this reason that many South Korean people are less hesitant to one day have the two Koreas come together. (Yuan, 2015)
Now that I have completely tackled the concept that South Korean and Taiwanese respondents have very different views toward reunification with North Korea and Mainland China, I need to show the direct casual effect that it has on their opinions toward Japan. Therefore, I will place my data below to show that 38 – 44% of ROK respondents who are neutral or in support of future reunification with the DPRK dislike Japan, while less than 3% of the ROC respondents who oppose future reunification with the PRC dislike Japan.
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Figure 5.91: Unification-based Opinions Toward Japan (South Korea)
Figure 5.92: Unification-based Opinions Toward Japan (Taiwan)
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After looking deeply through my collection of secondary sociological data, self-conducted empirical data, and a diverse collection of personal interviews, I remain true to my deepest belief that it is because of a combination of historical differences, and Taiwanese people‘s political attitudes toward Mainland China that there is such a sharp contrast in South Korean and Taiwanese people‘s opinions toward Japan.
While it is very tempting to narrow down a research topic such as this to one major causal argument instead of two, I have been thoroughly convinced too many times during this academic journey to neglect either of them. By this point in time, after having lived in both Taiwan and South Korea, having spoken to so many of their citizens, read so many scholarly texts related to this political difference, and finally conducted and studied my own sociological surveys, it would be inaccurate and irresponsible of me to argue any differently than I have throughout this Thesis.
After having presented credible, accurate empirical evidence on both qualitative and quantitative scales, I have proven that South Korean citizens who feel that the Japanese colonial period was pointless violence and lacked any educational or economic benefits are extremely are much more likely to dislike Japan than Taiwanese citizens who feel that there were in fact educational and economic advantages from the Japanese colonial period. I have proven that Taiwanese respondents who become angry or sad when hearing about the 2/28 Incident are far more likely to have neutral or positive feelings toward Japan than South Korean respondents who have similar feelings to the Kwangju Incident.
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More importantly, I have proven that ROK citizens, when it comes to historical tragedies, are most affected by the March 1st Movement, which was committed by Japan. I have shown a direct relation to this, as well as the likelihood to dislike Japan. I have also shown that, on the contrary, ROC citizens are not as heavily affected by the Tapani Incident, which was carried out by Japan.
All of these sub-arguments make the first half of my hypothesis accurate that the two different population groups have differing views of Japan because of historical differences in the 20th century.
In terms of my second causal argument of Taiwanese political attitudes toward Mainland China being the independent variable for more neutral or positive opinions toward Japan, the evidence stands strong. I have explained and confirmed the clear-cut difference that Taiwan and China relations have with South Korea and North Korea relations. I have documented through both secondary and self-conducted data, that many more South Koreans are open to unification with North Korea, than Taiwanese are with China. I have then illustrated that such ROK citizens who are more supportive of unification with the DPRK are much, much more likely to dislike Japan than such ROC citizens who oppose unification with the PRC.
I have also proven that within the realm of geopolitical strategy, many Taiwanese people see Japan as a potential ally in the face of an expansionist China.
I have proven, that while this is not the attitude of all ROC citizens, the overall number makes it more likely that such attitudes play a pivotal role in shaping their overall neutral or positive opinions toward Japan.
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lastly proven that due to these different geopolitical circumstances, South Korean people are still much, much more likely than Taiwanese people to hold a grudge against Japan for her historically rooted violence.The chosen and proven reasons for why there is such a difference in South Korean and Taiwanese public opinions toward Japan have all been highlighted, supported, and proven with unflinching evidence. Any possible challenges to the answer have been eliminated, and the reader should have a powerful statement to tell his colleagues when discussing this issue between South Korea, Taiwan, and their former colonizer Japan.
Regardless of my confidence that I have proven my causal arguments, the sky is the limit for discussions that can take place about the future public opinions, historical narratives, and geopolitical hemisphere of Taiwan, South Korea, North Korea, China, and Japan. Only time will tell if events such as the recent comfort women deal will improve or exacerbate relations between ROK citizens and Japan.
With the newly elected first woman President Tsai Ing Wen of Taiwan, relations with Mainland China may dwindle, or see a new light at the end of a diplomatic tunnel. With the recent Hydrogen bomb testing of North Korea, the border may become more fragile than ever, calling for a stubborn but alternative South Korean security dialogue with Japan. Regardless of the ROC – PRC future, or the ROK – DPRK future, it will be interesting to see how those relationships continue to affect both of these Tigers while they wallow in the sun.
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VII. Self-conducted Surveys:
台灣 – 日本調查：2015 國立政治大學
以下調查是做為台灣國立政治大學 – 亞太研究所專題論文收集資料用，此學 術研究目的為比較及對照韓國人民與台灣人民對於日本的民意。由衷感謝您 的參予。謝謝！
Taiwan – Japan Survey: 2015 National Chengchi University
The following survey is being used to gather information for an International Master’s in Asia – Pacific Studies Thesis Dissertation at National Chengchi University of Taipei, Taiwan (ROC). The purpose of this research project is to compare and contrast the South Korean and Taiwanese public opinions toward Japan. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
1) 您是台灣公民嗎？Are you a Taiwanese citizen?
[ ] 是 Yes [ ] 否 No
2) 您的是在哪個年齡層？Which age group are you in?
[ ] 20 – 29 [ ] 30 – 49;
[ ] 50 – 70 [ ] 71 +
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3) 日本殖民統治是一段極端且無意義的暴力行為。
Japanese colonization was a period of extreme, pointless violence.
[ ] 強烈同意 Strongly agree [ ] 同意 Agree
[ ] 中立 Neutral [ ] 不同意 Disagree
[ ] 強烈不同意 Strongly disagree
4) 日本殖民統治時並沒有帶來任何教育或經濟利益。
There were not any educational or economic benefits from Japanese colonization.
[ ] 強烈同意 Strongly agree [ ] 同意 Agree
[ ] 中立 Neutral [ ] 不同意 Disagree
[ ] 強烈不同意 Strongly disagree
5) 您認為釣魚台列嶼歸屬於誰？（可複選） Who do you feel that the Diaoyutai/Senkaku islands belong to? (Check all that apply)
[ ] 日本 Japan [ ] 中國 China [ ] 台灣 Taiwan
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6) 釣魚台列嶼爭議是非常重要的。
The Diaoyutai/Senkaku islands issue is of great importance.
[ ] 強烈同意 Strongly agree [ ] 同意 Agree
[ ] 中立 Neutral [ ] 不同意 Disagree
[ ] 強烈不同意 Strongly disagree
7) 中國提出的＂一國兩制＂是可以接受的。The ―One-country, two systems‖
policy with Mainland China is acceptable.
[ ] 強烈同意 Strongly agree [ ] 同意 Agree
[ ] 中立 Neutral [ ] 不同意 Disagree
[ ] 強烈不同意 Strongly disagree
8) 中國大陸是危險的軍事威脅。Mainland China is a dangerous military threat.
[ ] 強烈同意 Strongly agree [ ] 同意 Agree
[ ] 中立 Neutral [ ] 不同意 Disagree
[ ] 強烈不同意 Strongly disagree
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9) 您支持的政黨為？With which political party do you affiliate yourself?
[ ] 國民黨 Kuomintang (KMT)
[ ] 民進黨 Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) [ ] 台聯 Taiwan Solidarity Union (TSU)
[ ] 新黨 New Party (NP)
[ ] 親民黨 People First Party (PFP)
[ ] 其他 Other (please specify)：＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿
10) 日本和中國發生海事衝突時，您會支持哪一方？In the event of a Japan – Mainland China maritime clash, which country would you support?
[ ] 中國 China [ ] 日本 Japan
[ ] 都不支持 Neither one
11) 下列事件激發悲痛或憤怒。(可複選) The following names or incidents incite sorrow or anger. (Check all that apply)
[ ] 西來庵事件 (1915) The Tapani Incident (1915) [ ] 二二八事件 (1947) The 2/28 Incident (1947)
[ ] 明治天皇和大正天皇年間 (1867 – 1926) The reign of Emperors Meiji and Taisho
[ ] 蔣介石的專制政權 (1928 – 1975) Chiang Kai-shek‘s authoritarian regime
12) 您會怎麼形容您對日本的感覺？ How would you describe your feeling towards Japan?
[ ] 喜歡 like [ ] 不喜歡 dislike [ ] 中立 neutral
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다음은 National Chengchi University of Taipei, Taiwan(ROC) 아시아 - 태평양 연구 논문의 국제 석사학위를 위한 정보를 자료를 수집하기 위한 설문지입니다. 본 연구는 한국과 대만 사람들의 일본에 대한 태도를 비교 및 대조 분석을 하는 것을 목적으로 합니다. 연구에 도움을 주셔서 감사합니다. 잘 부탁 드립니다!
South Korea - Japan Questionnaire: 2015 National Chengchi University
The following survey is being used to gather information for an International Master’s in Asia – Pacific Studies Thesis Dissertation at National Chengchi University of Taipei, Taiwan (ROC). The purpose of this research project is to compare and contrast the South Korean and Taiwanese public opinions toward Japan. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Thank you so much!
1) 한국 시민권자인가? Are you a Korean citizen?
[ ] 네Yes [ ] 아니오No
2) 다음 연령대 중 본인이 속하는 그룹을 선택하시오.
Please select your age group.
[ ] 18 – 29 [ ] 30 – 49;
[ ] 50 – 70 [ ] 71 +
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With which politically party do you affiliate yourself?
[ ] 새누리당 Saenuri Party (SP)
Japanese colonization was a period of extreme, pointless violence.
[ ] 매우 동의한다Strongly agree
There were not any educational or economic benefits from Japanese colonization.
[ ] 매우 동의한다Strongly agree
Who do you feel that the Dokdo/Takeshima Islands belong to?
[ ] 일본Japan [ ] 대한민국Korea [ ] 둘다Both
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7) 도 / 다카시마 섬의 소유권 문제는 굉장히 중요한 사안이다.
The Dokdo/Takeshima Islands issue is of great importance.
[ ] 매우 동의한다Strongly agree [ ] 동의한다Agree
[ ] 그저 그렇다Neutral [ ] 동의하지 않는다Disagree
[ ] 매우 동의하지 않는다Strongly disagree
8) 나는 미래에 남한과 북한의 통일이 일어나기를 원치 않는다.
I am opposed to any future unification of North and South Korea.
[ ] 매우 동의한다Strongly agree [ ] 동의한다Agree
[ ] 그저 그렇다Neutral [ ] 동의하지 않는다Disagree
[ ] 매우 동의하지 않는다Strongly disagree
9) 북한은 강력한 군사적 위협 대상이다. North Korea is a dangerous military threat.
[ ] 매우 동의한다Strongly agree [ ] 동의한다Agree
[ ] 그저 그렇다Neutral [ ] 동의하지 않는다Disagree
[ ] 매우 동의하지 않는다Strongly disagree
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10) 북한과 일본 사이 전쟁이 발발할 경우, 어느쪽을 지지할 것인가?
In the event of a North Korea – Japan war, which country would you support?
[ ] 일본Japan [ ] 북한North Korea [ ] 둘다 아님Neither one
11) 나는 다음의 사건들을 떠올릴 시, 분노나 슬픔이 일어나는 것을 느낀다. (해당되는 모든 항목을 선택하시오.) The following names or incidents incite sorrow or anger. (Check all that apply)
[ ] 3.1 운동The casualties of the March 1st Movement (3/1/1919)
[ ] 이승만 전 대통령의 부정선거The election corruption methods of Rhee Syngman (1948 – 1960)
[ ] 광주 대학살The Kwangju Massacre (5/18/1980)
[ ] 박정희 전 대통령의The authoritarian rule of Park Chung-hee (1962 – 1979) [ ] 군사 독재 His military dictatorship
12) 일본에 대한 본인의 감정을 어떻게 정의할 것인가?
How would you describe your feeling towards Japan?
[ ] 좋아함like [ ] 싫어함dislike [ ] 그저그럼neutral
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VIII. References
Books:
Chuang, Ya-Chung. Democracy on Trial: Social Movements and Cultural Politics in Postauthoritarian Taiwan.
Hong Kong, China: The Chinese University Press, 2013.
Goh, Evelyn. The Struggle for Order: Hegemony, Hierarchy, and Transition in Post-Cold War East Asia. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2013.
Hildi, Kang. Under the Black Umbrella: Voices from Colonial Korea, 1910 – 1945.
Ithaca, NY: Cornell University College, 2005.
Hoare, James, Pratt, Kieth, and. Rutt, Richard. Korea: A Historical and Cultural Dictionary. London, England, UK/New York, NY: Routledge, 2013.
Hyong, Euny. The Birth of Korean Cool: How One Nation is Conquering the World Through Pop Culture. New York, NY: Picador Publishing, 2014.
Ka, Chi-ming. Japanese Colonialism in Taiwan: Land Tenure, Development, and Dependency, 1895 – 1945.Boulder, CO: Westview Press, Inc., 1995.
Liao, Ping-hui, Wang, Der-wei, David. Taiwan Under Japanese Colonial Rule, 1895 – 1945: History, Culture, Memory. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2006.
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Nahm, Andrew C. Introduction to Korean History and Culture. Seoul, South Korea: Hollym, 1993.
Shirk, Susan L. China: Fragile Superpower. New York, NY:
Oxford University Press, 2007.
Wu, Zhuo-liu. Orphan of Asia. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2006.
Periodicals:
Bowman, Garret.―Why Now is the Time to Resolve the Dokdo/Takeshima Dispute.‖ Case Western Reserve Journal of International Law, Vol. 46: No. 1-2 (Fall 2013): 434 – 461
Breen, Michael. ―Chun Doo-hwan: last dictator.‖ The Korea Times (Seoul, South Korea), Nov. 23, 2011.
Chen, Ketty W. ―Disciplining Taiwan: The Kuomintang‘s Methods of Control during the White Terror Era (1947 – 1987).‖ Taiwan International Studies Quarterly, Vol. 4, No. 4 (2008): 185 – 208
Chungku, Kang, Euicheol, Lee, Friedhoff, &Jiyoon, Kim. ―South Korean Attitudes toward North Korea and Reunification.‖
Public Opinion Studies Program, Asan Report (Feb. 2015): 29 – 35
Cole, Michael J. “Taiwanese Students Occupy Education Ministry Over Textbook Controversy.‖ The Diplomat, Jul. 24, 2015.
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Curtis, Gerry. ―Abe treads a fine line on WWII.‖ East Asian Forum, Aug. 20, 2015.
Feffer, John. ―Korean Reunification: The View From the North.‖ The Huffington Post (New York, NY), Jun. 16, 2015.
―Former ‗comfort woman‘ calls on Abe to apologize on U.S. trip.‖
The Asahi Shimbun (Tokyo, Japan), Apr. 24, 2015.
Forsythe, Michael. ―Taiwan Turns Light on 1947 Slaughter by Chiang Kai-shek‘s Troops.‖ The New York Times (New York, NY), Jul. 14, 2015.
Fukuda, Madoka. ―Japan – China – Taiwan Relations After Taiwan‘s Sunflower Movement.‖ East – West Center (Honolulu, HI), May 22, 2014.
Gonzalez, Juan. ―25 Years Ago: The Kwangju Massacre in South Korea.‖Democracy Now (New York, NY), May 17, 2005.
Guo, Mira. (2013, February 12). Japan‘s era in Taiwan: Effects of Assimilation.
TACPA: Taiwanese American Computer Professional Association.
Haberman, Clyde. ―BOMB KILLS 19, INCLUDING 6 KEY KOREANS.‖
The New York Times (New York, NY), Oct. 10, 1983.
Hiroshima, Atsushi and Shimizu, Daisuke. ―INSIGHT: Do South Koreans really hate Japan?‖ The Asahi Shimbun (Tokyo, Japan), Jun. 21, 2013.
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Hsiao, Allison. ―KMT pans Lee Teng-hui Japan remarks.‖ Taipei Times (Taipei, Taiwan), Aug. 22, 2015
―Japan congratulates Taiwan‘s Tsai Ing-wen on victory. ‖ The Straits Times (Singapore), Jan. 17, 2016
Kelman, Steve. ―The Lectern: The Olympics seen from Taiwan.‖ FCW: The Business of Federal Technology
(Vienna, VA), Aug. 21, 2008
Ko, Rosa Sochin. ―Political Context and Collective Action: Student Movement Networks‘ Alliance with the Middle-class in the Democratization of Korea.‖
The Catholic University of America: A Dissertation, (2008): 66
―Korean Man Badly Hurt After Self-Immolation at Japan Protest.‖
The New York Times (New York, NY), Aug. 12, 2015.
Lavelle, Moira. ―A brief history of border conflict between North and South Korea.‖ PRI’s The World, Aug. 20, 2015.
Ma, Ying-jeou. ―The Diaoyutai Islands: ROC Territory.‖ The Washington Times, Aug. 23, 2015.
Mackay, George W. ―Japanese Administration in Formosa.‖ The Journal of Race Development, Vol. 2, No. 2 (1911): 172 – 176, 178 – 179, 181 – 185, 187
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Matsuoko, Misato and Thim, Michal. ―The Odd Couple: Japan & Taiwan‘s Unlikely Friendship.‖ The Diplomat, May 15, 2014.
Mearsheimer, John J. ―Say Goodbye to Taiwan.‖ The National Interest, March-April 2014.
Min, Pyong Gap. ―Korean Comfort Women: The Intersection of Colonial Comfort, Gender, and Power.‖ GENDER & SOCIETY, Vol. 17, No. 6 (2003) New York, NY:
938 – 957
Nylander, Johan. ―Strong Support For Independence in Taiwan.‖ Forbes/Asia, Feb. 14, 2015.
Olds, Kelly (2008, March 16). The Economic History of Taiwan.
EH.Net Encyclopedia.
Pesek, William. ―Is China Losing Taiwan?‖ Bloomberg View, March 31, 2014.
Sang-hun, Choe. ―Japan and South Korea Settle Dispute Over Wartime ‗Comfort Women.‘ The New York Times (New York, NY), Dec. 28, 2015.
Sibilla, Chris. ―Fall of South Korea Strongman Synghman Ree – April 26, 1960 Association For Diplomatic Studies and Training (Arlington, VA), Apr. 2013
―Tapani Incident centennial marked by Tainan city.‖ Taiwan Today (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China), Jun, 9, 2015
Tharp, Mike. ―South Korean Leader ends 456 Days of Martial Law.‖
The New York Times(New York, NY), Jan. 25, 1981.
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Tiezzi, Shannon. ―China, Taiwan Apply Pressure to Japan Over ‗Comfort Women‘
Issue.‖ The Diplomat, January 6, 2016
―U.S., Taiwan top donors in 3/11 relief through Red Cross.‖ The Asahi Shimbun, Apr. 03, 2013.
Toosi, Nahal. ―Japanese leader sidesteps apology for WWII ‗comfort women‘.‖
Politico Magazine, Apr. 28, 2015.
Yi, Eugene. ―Why Late South Korean Dictator Park Chung-hee Is the Most Popular President Ever.‖ KoreaAm Journal, Mar. 13, 2013.
Film and Television:
Chu, Tien-wen and Wu, Nien-jien. A City of Sadness. Online. Directed by Hsiao-hsienHou. Taiwan: 3-H Films/ERA International, 1989.
Kao, Miao-hui and Li, Chiao, 1895, Lecture. Directed by Chih-yu Hung. Taiwan:
Green Film Production, 2008.
Electronic Sources:
Korea, South – Is – 3 Times bigger than Taiwan. Country Size Comparison Tool.
Korea, South – Is – 3 Times bigger than Taiwan. Country Size Comparison Tool.