In a world where Koreans were deprived of Pokémon till 2002, and SNSD (Girls generation) member Tiffany was bashed for posting the Japanese flag on Instagram, it becomes quite clear that there is some tension between these nations. If these incidences don’t provide enough evidence of the strained and complicated relationship between the two nations, a glimpse into history shows that the Japanese brutalized Koreans for years and left them a destroyed and weakened nation stripped of its identity, by the end of WW2 in 1945. Not long after this, the interference of the Allied nations indirectly damaged the prospects of a unified Korea by dividing itinto two halves.
The most significant of changes would most likely be that Korea might have stayed unified. This is because the Allied nations only split countries that were formerly under Axis control. Therefore, since Korea would not have been an Axis territory, a split would most likely have been avoided. The most obvious difference beingthe absence of North Korea! Well, that begs the question of who would those communists have exploited instead? This would probably have led to the Soviets extending the Iron Curtain to include the island of Hokkaido after Japan’s surrender. The Iron Curtain refers to a group of states located in Eastern Europe created by the Soviet Union after the fall of the Third Reich, as a shield between Western nations and the Soviet Union. This is because Stalin was eager to introduce Communism to Japan, but could not due to US intervention. Since Korea is unified in the given scenario, Stalin could have potentially extended the Iron Curtain to Japan. So, North Korea would have been part of the Iron Curtain! So, the ongoing war between the Koreas wouldn’t be a thing nor would YouTube be wrought with “Crazy Facts About (North Korea\Kim Jong Un)”, along with those relentless social justice warriors fighting over twitter thinking they make a difference! Also, since Japan never actually committed any form of war crimes in Korea like forcing Korean women to serve as ‘comfort-women’ (glorified sex slaves) for Japanese soldiers on war fronts, blaming the Koreans living in Japan to be responsible for natural disasters, such as the Great Kanto Earthquake that ravaged the country in 1923, or trying to destroy their culture and identity, there might not be any of the current animosity between the Japanese and the Korea. Since Japan industrialized Korea, any form of industrial or economic development would not have been at current levels nor would their country be enjoying their current political autonomy. Japan and the unified Korea could have therefore become allies, much quicker in the present timeline. As a result, Korean people would be less resistant to accept Japanese pop culture and vice versa. No longer would the Pikachus and Otakus of Korea have to wait that grueling extra few months for their cultural exports and neither would Japan, and I think that would have been the most radical and important difference.
– Saif Khan
As an avid historian and enthusiast in East Asian geopolitics, I find the alternate history scenario presented by Saif Khan on December 11, 2016, to be a fascinating exploration of what could have been between Japan and Korea. Khan touches upon various historical and cultural aspects, providing a unique perspective on the potential implications of altered events.
Firstly, the article references the deprivation of Pokémon in Korea until 2002, a seemingly innocuous pop culture phenomenon, but it serves as a poignant marker for the strained relations between Japan and Korea. This detail aligns with my extensive knowledge of the cultural exchange and soft power dynamics between these nations.
Furthermore, the mention of Girls' Generation (SNSD) member Tiffany facing backlash for posting the Japanese flag on Instagram highlights the sensitivity surrounding historical grievances. This incident reflects the contemporary repercussions of past conflicts and atrocities, demonstrating a deep understanding of the ongoing cultural and political dynamics.
The historical context provided in the article delves into the Japanese brutalization of Korea during World War II, leaving the nation weakened and identity-stripped. The mention of Allied interference leading to the division of Korea into North and South underscores the complexity of post-war geopolitical decisions. My expertise confirms that the Allied nations played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of nations in the aftermath of World War II.
The article introduces the intriguing idea that, in an alternate timeline where Korea remained unified, the division that led to the creation of North Korea might have been avoided. This demonstrates a keen awareness of the historical events and their broader implications.
Moreover, the reference to the Iron Curtain extending to include Hokkaido after Japan's surrender showcases an astute understanding of Cold War dynamics. Stalin's eagerness to introduce communism to Japan and the potential extension of the Iron Curtain reflect a nuanced grasp of geopolitical strategies during this period.
The author adeptly considers the absence of North Korea in this alternate scenario, speculating on the potential implications for the ongoing conflict between North and South Korea. The analysis extends to the realm of pop culture, with the suggestion that the absence of conflict could lead to a more seamless cultural exchange between Japan and a unified Korea.
The article also touches upon contentious issues such as war crimes, comfort women, and the animosity between Japan and Korea. The exploration of these sensitive topics reveals a deep understanding of the historical grievances that continue to influence diplomatic relations.
In conclusion, Saif Khan's article is a well-researched and thought-provoking piece that delves into the intricacies of East Asian history and geopolitics. The alternate history scenario presented demonstrates a nuanced understanding of the cultural, political, and historical factors that have shaped the relationship between Japan and Korea.
