[RAS Korea] Idu, the key to unlocking Korea's early history

Sogang University Professor Emeritus Kim Yong-duk shows off some of his books. / Courtesy of Royal Asiatic Society Korea

By Steven L. Shields

For 30 years, Sogang University Professor Emeritus Kim Yong-duk has been delving into the history of the Korean Peninsula. He's discerned population movements, conducted artifact comparisons and investigated burial customs. Most notably, he has cracked the code of "Idu," the use of Chinese characters to record the proto-Korean languages by using the sounds of the characters rather than their inherent meanings.

The closeness of China geographically and in commerce and political influence meant that the Chinese language and writing system was widespread. Commonly shared vocabulary that had a Chinese source could be written with the appropriate character. There were many native words used by the dozens of states that occupied the territory that is now Korea. Like modern English (or many other languages), the proto-Koreans had different words for the same things, but most could be understood across the region. The absence of a native writing system posed challenges to the early people and kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula.

Then, how did the proto-Koreans write native-language words in written or engraved records? They used Chinese characters because that was the standard written language in the region 2,000 years ago. But in the case of native proto-Korean words, they sometimes had to use a Chinese character for its sound value rather than its meaning. Sound values have changed over time, as have Chinese characters. Through linguistic reconstructions by Chinese linguists, Dr. Kim has sorted out the proto-Korean words, compared them with records and historical data from Chinese, Japanese and early Korean sources and discovered details about Korea's past that had previously been unrecognized.

These tombs, in Seokchon-dong in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, are proposed to be Baekje nobility, but are possibly of Michuhol origin. / Courtesy of Steven L. Shields

He has uncovered connections between a small state in the Incheon area with early Gaya and Baekje. Through his detailed studies of ancient Chinese and Japanese records, he posits that this small state, Michuhol (or Michi), was a stronger neighbor to early Baekje. Dr. Kim believes the two fortresses in southern Seoul near Olympic Park were not both Baekje cities. Pungnaptoseong (Wiryeseong) was the second major city of Michi, while nearby Mongchontoseong was the central city of the Baekje state. In their earliest histories, both states were not kingdoms in the modern sense but, like the Gaya states in the far south, were headed by "lords," "strongmen" or "chieftains." Over time, governments developed and institutions emerged. By convenience, many refer to the earliest leaders as "kings."

A model shows the two earthwork fortresses in southeastern Seoul's Songpa District, with Mongchontonseong in the foreground, and Pungnaptoseong in the background. The model is in the Baekje Museum at Olympic Park in Seoul. / Courtesy of Steven L. Shields

Dr. Kim brings a wealth of teaching experience, scientific research methodology and a detective's heart to his quest for understanding. He is fluent in Japanese and English and reads ancient and modern Chinese. With more than five books to his publishing credit, Dr. Kim argues that the accepted narrative of some of Korea's early history may not be as straightforward as some believe.

Michi and Baekje began consolidating other smaller states, or chiefdoms, into their spheres of influence. Some two millennia ago, more than 50 of these smaller states were on the peninsula. Michi moved down the peninsula's west coast and made confederations with several of the Gaya states. Then, in its boldest move ever, Michi began colonizing what is now Japan, both in Osaka and the modern-day Tokyo region.

By the early fourth century, Michi and Baekje confederated, and Baekje became the historical name for the much bigger state. The political power, influence, economic wealth and trade with China and Japan were significant. The colonies in Japan were ruled by a regent of the Baekje "king," usually the designated crown prince or successor. Dr. Kim argues he has enough evidence to declare, with a high degree of certainty, that the well-known King Muryeong of Baekje was, in fact, king of Japan as regent of his father and became the 25th king. In 2001, Japanese Emperor Akihito publicly acknowledged the imperial family's descent from the Baekje people.

Steven L. Shields poses with schoolchildren at King Muryeong's tomb in Gongju, South Chungcheong Province. / Courtesy of Steven L. Shields

Dr. Kim told me that as a young student, and even in university work, he had little interest in history, but since retiring, Korean history has become his passion. He became a life member of Royal Asiatic Society (RAS) Korea many decades ago. He served on the council of RAS Korea for many years and is a two-time past president of the society.

Kim was finishing his first semester at Seoul National University in June 1950 when he was drafted into the fledgling (south) Korean army. Having taught himself English during his early teenage years, he was seconded to an artillery unit as a forward observer and interpreter. Enduring several brutal months on the Busan Perimeter, the young private was sent to Texas with a group of recruits to interpret their training at the U.S. military artillery school. He spent the rest of the war years in Texas, training successive cohorts of Korean artillerymen.

When the war ended, he went to university in the U.S. and completed his Ph.D. at the University of California Berkeley. Joining the faculty at Sogang University in the very early years of that institution's existence, Dr. Kim taught two generations of students before retiring about 30 years ago. Well-known for his shock of white hair and his choice of traditional clothing, he still goes to his office on campus almost daily.

Dr. Kim has given more than 70 lectures on the topic, which are available on the YouTube channel "Han Bin Kim." His books (only in Korean or Japanese) can be obtained directly from Dr. Kim at bahine@hanmail.net.

Rev. Steven L. Shields is president of the Royal Asiatic Society Korea (www.raskb.com) and columnist for The Korea Times. Visit raskb.com or email royalasiatickorea@gmail.com for more information about the society.