From the mobilization of Japanese military comfort women to biological experiments… ‘Japan’s war crimes’
![[신간] Prepare for the upheaval of Trump 2.0… ‘America’s alliance strategy’](https://img9.yna.co.kr/photo/yna/YH/2024/10/22/PYH2024102214120001300_P4.jpg "[신간] Prepare for the upheaval of Trump 2.0… ‘America’s alliance strategy’")
ROK-US combined arms cooperation Doha training (2024.10.22)
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(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Se-won Lee = ▲ America’s Alliance Strategy = Written by Man-seok Lee.
The author, who served as an assistant professor in the Department of Political Sociology at the Korea Military Academy, examines the history of the ROK-US alliance based on various records, including US official documents, and explores alliance strategies needed in the era of the second Donald Trump administration.
The book points out that the question, ‘Why should the United States protect Korea?’ should not be viewed solely as a unique individual like Trump or the unique perspective of his supporters. I think this contains Americans’ doubts about the nature and purpose of the ROK-US alliance.
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In relation to this, the book states that from before the outbreak of June 25 to the early Cold War, détente period, and post-Cold War period, U.S. policymakers continuously examined the necessity and practical benefits of the ROK-U.S. alliance and concluded several times that the U.S. should leave Korea. Introducing.
Although the ROK-US alliance is an asymmetric alliance between countries with large differences in national power, the book stipulates that the nature of the alliance is the same as that of an equal alliance in that it can only be sustained if it is mutually beneficial. Through the ROK-US alliance, the United States sought to maintain hegemony or enjoy geopolitical benefits, while South Korea sought to protect its territory and people and achieve national security.
book cover image
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The author emphasizes that in order to pursue unwavering national interests in the ROK-US alliance while upheaval in the international order is expected following the inauguration of the second Trump administration, the perception of the United States must be properly understood from their perspective.
“The ROK-US alliance is not a beneficial alliance, but a reciprocal alliance. It is not an alliance that the US unilaterally gives to Korea, but an alliance that benefits both sides. (omitted) Will we be passively and unconditionally dragged along, or will we now raise our voices more confidently? , Now we stand in front of a tug of war for a big deal.”
Planet Media. Page 340.
book cover image
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▲ Japan’s war crimes = Written by Kim Jae-myeong.
The author, a journalist specializing in international disputes, sheds light on crimes or acts committed by Japan during the war, such as the mobilization of comfort women for the Japanese military, the biological experiments of Unit 731, and the Nanjing massacre.
The book introduces everything from the historical background of each incident, Japan’s attempts to conceal these incidents or deny responsibility, and related research trends.
It also covers Japan’s right-wing trend, which has intensified since the launch of the second Shinzo Abe administration in December 2012, and the historical controversy between Korea and Japan that has been linked to this.
In particular, the book says, “It is true that development took place in various sectors under Japanese colonial rule,” but “the focus of the discussion is ‘For whom was modernization?'” and the so-called ‘colonial modernization theory’ that Korea was modernized during the Japanese colonial period. raises questions about
“If you think that it was a modernization that brought greater benefits to Japan, the story is different. What was the railway, port and power plant for? Wasn’t it the construction of infrastructure for efficient exploitation?”
The power of truth. Page 672.
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2024/11/27 07:00 Sent
Mr. Kim highlights the need for historical accountability and reconciliation. Given the complex geopolitical landscape of East Asia, what concrete steps can be taken to promote truth-seeking and healing while navigating competing national interests and security concerns?
## World Today News: A Discussion on Alliance and Atrocity
**Welcome to World Today News! Today, we delve into two compelling new books exploring intricate historical narratives. Joining us are Dr. Lee Man-seok, author of “America’s Alliance Strategy,” and Mr. Kim Jae-myeong, author of ”Japan’s War Crimes”. Welcome to the show!**
**Section 1: Reassessing the ROK-US Alliance**
**Dr. Lee, your book examines the history of the ROK-US alliance through a unique lens. What key takeaways should readers have regarding the longevity of this alliance, especially considering the global uncertainties we face today?**
**Dr. Lee:**
*(Responds with insights on the historical evolution of the alliance, emphasizing the recurring questioning of its necessity by US policymakers, and highlighting the mutually beneficial nature of the relationship despite power imbalances.)*
**Kim Jae-myeong, in your book “Japan’s War Crimes”, you shed light on a dark chapter in history.
How does this unresolved past impact the current political landscape and, specifically, the ROK-US alliance?**
**Mr. Kim:**
*(Explains the connection between Japan’s wartime atrocities and contemporary geopolitical tensions. May discuss the lingering mistrust and historical disputes that complicate regional stability.*)
**Section 2: Confronting Historical Atrocities**
**Mr. Kim, your book delves into sensitive topics such as the comfort women issue, Unit 731, and the Nanjing Massacre. Why do you think it is crucial to revisit these events even decades later?**
**Mr. Kim:**
*(Articulates the importance of acknowledging and remembering these atrocities to prevent their repetition, emphasizes the need for truth and reconciliation, and discusses the implications of historical denialism.)*
**Dr. Lee, how do you see the legacy of these historical injustices shaping the ROK-US alliance in an era when geopolitical interests are constantly shifting?**
**Dr.Lee:**
*(Analyzes the complexities of balancing historical grievances with contemporary geopolitical realities within the alliance framework.*)
**Section 3: Looking Forward: Building a Peaceful Future**
**Both of you explore challenging historical realities. What are your respective visions for a more stable and peaceful future in East Asia?**
**Mr. Kim:*** (
*(Highlights the importance of truth-seeking, reconciliation, and addressing past injustices as prerequisites for building trust and lasting peace. Could suggest models of restorative justice or mechanisms for historical accountability.)
*
* **Dr. Lee:** *(Emphasizes the need for open dialog, mutual understanding, and strategic cooperation within the ROK-US alliance to address shared security concerns while fostering regional stability.*)
**Thank you both for providing such insightful perspectives. This has been a valuable conversation on the complexities of history, alliances, and the pursuit of peace. We encourage our viewers to learn more by reading these important books.**
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