True Independence

By Kwon Yule-jung

Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945 after being under Japanese colonial rule for 35 years. Its independence coincided with the end of World War II, which has been characterized as the worst nightmare in the history of humankind.

In other words, Korea's independence was made into reality when the last remaining axis, Japan, was forced to announce its unconditional defeat to the America-led Allies.

Recalcitrant Japan had no other choice but to surrender to the Allied forces, even after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki three days apart and more than 220,000 innocent civilians were instantly killed as were many wounded in the two cities and vicinity areas.

The Japanese brutal invasion and dominance were widely known to its colonized subjects who shuddered just to think of it or to mention its force.

In addition, Japan is in stark contrast with other former colonial countries that have not hesitated to show their remorse for what they did and the way they treated their subjects as barbarian. They do not try to distort historical facts about their colonial incursion and their governing of the innocent and ignorant civilians of their colonies.

On the other hand, Japan has repeatedly distorted historic events and incidents. Therefore, many Asian countries have been suspicious of Japan for the recurrence of its justification for its colonial policies.

Despite fierce opposition from neighboring countries, Japan's leaders have adhered to regularly paying homage at the Yasukuni Shrine which enshrines 14 Class-A war criminals as well as 2.5 million war victims. The Japanese may be attempting to beautify and glorify its national identity by means of fallacious manipulations.

Not being cleared of Japan's repeated misdeeds, we may celebrate Liberation Day on Aug. 15 every year. In that sense, we cannot but help feeling regret over the national holiday.

To burden matters even further, we have a much more serious issue to be settled in regards to our independence. There is a yet a bottleneck left in the way of this country's full sovereignty. Amid the festive mood 62 years ago, our country was to be divided into the South and the North by the then superpowers.

It was possible for them to wield their omnipotent prowess over the Koreans who easily yielded to their interests. However, South Koreans were fortunate to have taken on free democracy and a market economy, while our Northern compatriots were imbued with derelict socialism. They were deprived of basic human rights under the dictatorship of Kim Il-sung and his son Kim Jong-il for the entire period onwards.

There are two impending tasks ahead for Koreans.

First, this Korean Peninsula's division has not been resolved at all. We have to think over how long it will take for the two Koreas to be unified. I think it will take more that 20 years because so many problems involving the unification are closely related with other countries like the United States, Russia, China and Japan as well as the two Koreas.

The U.S. and Russia have acted as mentors since the division. China has been a traditional ally of the North since fighting for the communist country during the 1950-53 Korean War. Japan is also accountable for the origin of the peninsula's separation. At any rate, peaceful unification will be the only genuine solution to overcoming the twists and turns of national division.

Second, the former colonial power, Japan, has made all the Koreans angry through its bid to dominate Korea ever since Korea was liberated. To make matters worse, the other Asian power, China, is accused of trying to claim Korea's ancient kingdoms as part of its own history.

In such a context, all Koreans should do their best at improving their national power by developing the economy, enhancing social norms and strengthening its armed forces.

Then, the two Asian powers would not dare to belittle Korea. On then can we achieve our goal of true independence.

england6227@hanmail.net

The writer is director of the Welfare Business Division of Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.