Korea

Can Japan-Korea Relations Resolve Historical Disputes?

The government of South Korea has dropped its demand for Japanese companies to pay victims of forced labor during World War II. Many Koreans have called the concession a national humiliation, and some surviving victims say they won't accept compensation from Korean sources. 

South Korean Court Orders Japan to Pay Compensation for Wartime Sexual Slavery

A South Korean court ordered the Japanese government to pay direct restitution to 12 women forced into sexual slavery by the Japanese military. Japan has rejected the court's authority.

Korean War: Open Questions

by Gregg Brazinsky, Chen Jian, Sheila Miyoshi Jager, Jiyul Kim and Michael J. Devine

A group of historians describe the major unanswered questions about the Korean War in terms of its military conduct, its impact on the people of Korea, relations between the United States and China, and memorialization and memory.

New Statues Stoke Sensitivity Between South Korea, Japan

A pair of new statues in South Korea of a man kneeling in front of a girl symbolizing a victim of sexual slavery by Japan's wartime military is the latest subject of diplomatic sensitivity between the countries, with Tokyo's government spokesperson questioning whether the male figure represents the Japanese prime minister.

Late 'Comfort Woman' Recognized for Lifelong Human Rights Activities with Amnesty Award

Kim Bok-dong, a former sex slavery victim-turned human rights activist received a posthumous award from Amnesty International.

South Korea Confident That Rumors of Kim Jong-un Illness Are Wrong

Normally, South Korean officials maintain a neither-confirm-nor-deny policy, at least on the record, for fear of disturbing sensitive relations between the two Koreas.

America’s Secret History in East Asia

by Alexis Dudden

Japan and South Korea are at odds today because Washington has been playing favorites for decades.

Recent attempts at reparations show that World War II is not over

by Timothy Webster

World War II ended in 1945. But the world has never stopped debating its legacy and how to make restitution for the damage done to the war’s victims. 

PBS film ‘KOREA’ eyes social, political tolls of Korean War

The film, a production of WETA Washington, aired Monday and examines the lasting social and political costs of the Korean War.

UPDATED Korean Peace Talks

What historians are tweeting and retweeting.

'World's first newspaper published in Korea in 1557'

Until now, the oldest was believed to be German daily Einkommende Zeitungen, whose first issue dates to 1660.

Trump parroted Chinese version of history

Trump’s inartful retelling of Sino-Korean history sparked widespread outrage among Koreans, who are particularly sensitive to the U.S. president’s rhetoric amid heightened tensions between North and South Korea.

Professor Who Wrote of Korean ‘Comfort Women’ Wins Defamation Case

In a case closely followed by the South Korean news media, a judge in the Eastern District Court in Seoul ruled that her academic freedom must be protected.

Japan recalls Korean envoy over 'comfort women' statue

Japan has temporarily withdrawn its ambassador to South Korea, amid an escalating row over a statue representing wartime sex slaves.

Korean Survivors of Atomic Bombs Renew Fight for Recognition, and Apology

Survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings have argued that the United States will have moral authority only after it apologizes for the “original sin.”

Remains of Nearly 2,750 Korean WW 2 Laborers Found in Japan, South Says

Historians in South Korea estimate that at least 1.2 million Koreans were coerced, or sometimes duped, into laboring as part of Japan’s war efforts in Japan, China and elsewhere.

American journalist who exposed U.S. involvement in the suppression of democratic uprising in Kwangju, South Korea is honored

by Tim Shorrock

"I was given the honor for exposing the previously hidden role of the United States in the 1980 coup and its involvement in the decisions by the Korean military to crush the rebellion."

Field Report: What I learned by attending a workshop on Korean history

by Ron Eisenman

A compelling reason to learn about Korea is that there are 1.5 million Koreans in America, many with incredible stories.

The war that never ends between the Koreas

On a clear day, residents of Yeonpyeong Island can see North Korea, 10 kms (six miles) away.

Japan won’t alter apology to World War II sex slaves

Th statement came in response to rising criticism from South Korea.