NAHF Newsletter

NAHF Newsletter 2025 March Issue
  • Date 2025.03.04
  • Hit 106

Northeast Asian History Foundation News (March 2025, Vol. 220)

Dokdo Archive: The Hang-gil Gotaek Diary The Northeast Asian History Foundation has released the Hang-gil Gotaek Diary, historical records related to Dokdo, through the Dokdo Archive. This diary, recorded by the Gangneung Kim clan’s Gamchalgong branch over 120 years, contains detailed records of Suto (搜討, island patrols) on Ulleungdo in the 19th century. As a significant historical resource illuminating the history and culture of Gangneung, Samcheok, and Donghae, it is expected to contribute to future research. Visit the Dokdo Archive to access the original text.

How the March First Movement is described in Japanese, Chinese, and U.S. Textbooks? The March First Movement, begun on March 1, 1919, was a series of demonstrations for Korean national independence from Japan. Japanese, Chinese, and American textbooks view this historical event differently. Japanese textbooks tended to minimize or omit this event in the past, but they have recently begun using the term “independence movement” and offering more objective statements. Chinese textbooks have removed any references to the event, while US textbooks describe it briefly in relation to international contexts and national self-determination. Continuous research and international cooperation are necessary to convey the significance of the March 1st Movement in world history.

Japanese Court Denies Japanese Government’s Responsibility for Korean Victims enshrined in Yasukuni At Japan’s Yasukuni Shrine, Korean victims of forced mobilization are enshrined alongside war criminals. Despite their families’ legal efforts to remove the victims' names from the Shrine, the Japanese Supreme Court dismissed the case. Although the Japanese government got involved in providing personal information about the Korean victims to Yasukuni, it has evaded its responsibility by failing to inform the victims' families. Some judges and the media criticized the ruling, claiming it avoided the case's core issue. As the year 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japan, it is significant to make efforts to remember the victims and empathize with their pain.

Korea’s Sovereignty over Dokdo - Investigation on Japan’s Distorted Legal Claims on Dokdo - Japan has continuously distorted international laws to support its claim over Dokdo. In 1905, Japan justified its occupation of Dokdo under the terra nullius principle, yet later shifted into a historical territory argument the Inherent Territory Theory to cover its legal inconsistencies. The newly published book Korea’s Sovereignty over Dokdo critically examines these legal distortions and reaffirms that Dokdo is undeniably Korean territory.

Modern East Asian Treaties and Open Ports - Unveiling the Hidden Stories of Open Ports - In the late 19th century in East Asia, significant changes were brought in as foreign settlements (concessions) formed in open port cities. A new book published by the NAHF, Modern East Asian Treaties and Open Ports explores the opening of China, Japan, and Korea, focusing on unequal treaties, extraterritoriality, and land transactions. The book provides an in-depth analysis of Korea’s struggles during this period and highlights the shifting international order in East Asia.

A “Special Space” The NAHF Library for Users The NAHF Library has been redesigned with a user-friendly approach. Expanding reading areas and reorganizing materials, the library has improved accessibility. The Dokdo Archive and “Soso(小少) Space” have been newly added, making access to various resources easier. Barrier-free features ensure that all visitors, including those who are physically-challenged, can comfortably access the facility.

Northeast Asian History Focus With Trump’s return to office and rising U.S.-China tensions, Northeast Asia is facing rapid geopolitical shifts. A policy journal Northeast Asian History Focus has been providing in-depth analysis of historical conflicts and cooperation under this new global landscape. Stay tuned to Northeast Asian History Focus that explores these critical issues and fosters peace in Northeast Asia.


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