Koreans Never Rest, Join the Best
By: Mary Ziperman, Lauren Stukey, Grayson McGovern
What Is Nationalism to Us?
In Korea, nationalism is the state of mind that we all owe our supreme secular loyalty to our beloved nation state. The nationalism each individual obtains was inspired in response to confrontation with Japan and Western nations during the later 1800's. Through this our three ideologies were formed.
Quick History of Korea
The Korean War started the the North pushed past the 38th parallel in attempt to spread communism. The U.S came to the south's aid and convinced the UN to build up over 20 countries to help defend the South. They pushed them all the way back almost to the Chinese border. China threatened if they came any closer they would get involved. The Chinese deployed forces and they were back at the 38th parallel where it is today, no peace treaty was signed, and it is still a tense border. Nationalism in the late 19th century Korea was a form of resistance movements, but with significant differences between the north and south. Since the intrusion by foreign powers in the late 19th century, Koreans have had to construct their identity in ways that pitted them against foreigners.
Where Did This Lead us To?
This has lead to the nationalism we have in Korea today. Are objectives are to advance and protect Korean ancient culture and national identity from foreign influence and the way we do this is through our resistance movements such as Donghak Peasant Revolution and Righteous Army Movement.
Donghak Peasant Revolution & Righteous Army Movement
Donghak: An armed rebellion lead by angered peasants and followers of the Donghak religion, a political ideology. Growing Japanese dominance in the Korean influence caused anxiety and partially lead them to rebel.
Righteous Army: During the long period of Japanese invasions, 60 successive righteous armies formed to fight for Korean freedom on the Korean peninsula.
These movements were succeeded by various Korean Independence movements in the 1920's and beyond which declared Korean independence from Japan occupation.
Righteous Army
Donghak Rebellion
What Can You Conclude?
Join Korea. We were put through such adversity yet persevered, fought for our freedom, and got what we wanted. Koreans never rest, join the best.
Korean Nationalism