By Rhee Soo-hyun
Japan announced its education ministry would publish teaching manuals in which Dokdo is referred to as part of Japan's territory. Korea, in protest, recalled its ambassador to Japan.
The Dokdo issue, along with numerous historical disputes, has jeopardized diplomatic ties between Korea and Japan, which have developed inextricable economic and political ties over the past decades.
These controversies have inflamed Korean public opinion against its neighbor. Unfortunately, pubic outrage seems to have fostered nationalistic belligerence only, a response that has turned out to be both dangerous and ineffective.
The Internet has become a stage for blatant hostility among Korean and Japanese citizens. Anti-Japanese clubs and Web sites abound in Korean networks, while anti-Korean sentiment remains somewhat prevalent in the Japanese media as well.
Citing Japanese history distortion as a crime against Asia, such groups showcase disturbing banners such as ``Death to Japan." Unsurprisingly, these clubs cite Japanese history distortion as a principal crime against the victims of Japanese imperialism.
Such hatred seems simply counterproductive. ``Strong anti-Japanese sentiment can only lead to diplomatic estrangement, which makes it even harder for us to contain Japanese history distortion," says Professor Park Chul-hee of Seoul National University.
Some concerned experts predict that South Korea's harsh reaction might reflect poorly on third party scholars, who will likely play the ``neutral role" in resolving our conflict with Japan.
Though the distortion of history is undoubtedly a sensitive issue, a more strategic and emotionally detached approach seems necessary to effectively rectify Japanese behavior; instead of relentlessly targeting the unresponsive and irresponsible Japanese government. The South Korean government should lobby foreign nations and scholars for support.
Korean researchers must spearhead academic movements throughout the world to debunk Japan's insensitive and incorrect textbooks ― only cold, hard facts and analysis will substantiate Korea's claims. At the same time, the Korean government should vigorously publicize Japan's attempts to distort history.
Fortunately, such movements have finally begun to take off in Korea. Since its establishment in 2005, the East Asian History Foundation has systematically confronted historical distortions via extensive research. The organization has been hosting conferences every fall, inviting scholars from all over the world to discuss the importance of ending history distortion in East Asia. The foundation also publishes relevant academic journals that feature contributions from scholars of different nations.
The organization's efforts however, are not sufficient to single-handedly settle historical controversies ― Korea needs more cooperation from the domestic academia. Professors and researchers should take the initiative in investigating and publishing powerful counter arguments.
In short, South Korea should strive to win over public opinion both internationally and academically. Simply raising awareness will aid the South Korean cause tremendously, especially because the issue of Japanese history distortion is a relatively unknown issue outside of East Asia.
Currently, large-scale protests are taking place, mostly in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. These are positive signs ― they demonstrate that the majority of Korean people care about their history and heritage. Unfortunately, Korean anguish does not seem enough incentive for Japan to change its ways.
International attention and pressure, not South Korean fury, will bring an end to the distortion of history. It seems that a little more practicality and a little less emotion might be the solution to the problem.