A History of American Imperialism in Korea - US Out of Korea! w/ Ju-Hyun Park of Nodutdol
Aug 23, 2024
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Ju-Hyun Park, a writer and activist with Nodutdol for Korean Community Development, dives deep into American imperialism’s impact on Korea. The discussion covers Korea's historical struggle for liberation, emphasizing the independence movements and the brutal legacy of the Korean War. Ju-Hyun critiques South Korean leadership under Yoon Suk-yeol and highlights rising tensions with North Korea. They also stress the importance of activism in the anti-imperialist movement, urging support for the US Out of Korea campaign.
The historical occupation of Korea by Japan and subsequent U.S. intervention highlights the region's struggles against foreign imperialism and control.
American imperialism's oppressive tactics against Korean resistance movements intensified socio-political divisions, leading to significant violence against socialist groups post-liberation.
The U.S. Out of Korea campaign aims to withdraw foreign forces and promote peace by addressing the imperialist legacies impacting the Korean Peninsula.
Deep dives
The Historical Context of U.S. Involvement in Korea
The discussion begins with the historical background of Korea's struggles against imperialism, focusing on the occupation by Japan from 1910 to the end of World War II. Korea's subsequent division into North and South was not agreed upon by its people but rather dictated by U.S. and Soviet interests after Japan's defeat. The U.S. strategically established its presence by drawing the 38th parallel as a dividing line to secure control over Seoul, reflecting its desire to counter Soviet influence. This legacy of foreign intervention set the stage for ongoing tensions and conflicts in the region.
The Rise of Local Resistance and Political Movements
Resistance movements emerged during Japan's colonial rule and continued with the U.S. occupation, as Koreans sought to assert their independence and tackle social injustices. A significant poll conducted in Southern Korea after liberation revealed that approximately 70% of the populace favored socialism, highlighting a strong desire for political change. However, the U.S. military government quickly suppressed these movements, viewing them as threats to its interests, which led to significant violence against socialist groups. This repression, including the mass killings of perceived dissidents, further solidified divisions on the peninsula.
The Impact of the Korean War
The Korean War, often overlooked in the West, resulted in unparalleled devastation, with estimates of casualties ranging between 3 to 5 million, severely affecting both Koreas. U.S. military actions aimed to obliterate not only military targets but also civilian populations, illustrating the brutal nature of the conflict. The war facilitated the elimination of leftist political groups in South Korea and solidified a repressive governmental structure aligned with U.S. interests. Consequently, the legacy of war and violence shaped the socio-political landscape and attitudes between the two Koreas.
Post-War U.S. Presence in South Korea
Following the armistice in 1953, which called for a withdrawal of foreign troops, the U.S. maintained an ongoing military presence in South Korea under the guise of the Mutual Defense Treaty. This treaty allowed the U.S. to exert significant control over South Korean military operations, effectively making South Korea a military colony of the U.S. The introduction of extensive economic aid post-war led to rapid industrialization in South Korea, but also entrenched U.S. influence in the region. Despite these developments, a significant gap remained between the two Koreas' standards of living for decades.
Changing Political Stances in Recent Years
Recent shifts in political dynamics, particularly with the rise of Yoon Suk-yeol in South Korea, have led to heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Yoon's administration has taken a hardline approach, aligning more closely with U.S. military strategies and downplaying historical injustices stemming from Japanese colonial rule. This shift has prompted North Korea to abandon its previous pursuit of peaceful reunification, seeing the South as an extension of U.S. imperialism rather than a partner. Consequently, heightened military readiness and provocative actions from both sides have created an increasingly volatile situation.
The U.S. Out of Korea Campaign
The U.S. Out of Korea campaign seeks to address the ongoing imperialist presence in Korea to foster real change and achieve peace. Highlighting four primary demands, the campaign calls for the complete withdrawal of U.S. forces, an end to U.S. and South Korea's military alliance, the cessation of sanctions against North Korea, and the need to redirect funds from military expenditures to address pressing domestic and global issues. Organizers aim to raise awareness and build solidarity for anti-imperialist actions among the masses, particularly within the U.S. The campaign represents a collective effort to empower the Korean people and promote a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflicts.
In this episode of Guerrilla History, we have an vitally important conversation with Ju-Hyun Park of Nodutdol. In this conversation, we discuss the recent history of American imperialism within Korea, recent developments in the Korean Peninsula regarding stances towards unification and nuclear disarmament, and Nodutdol's new campaign US Out of Korea. Be sure to keep up with the campaign at usoutofkorea.org, take part, and share this conversation and the resources within with your comrades! The two episodes regarding the DPRK mentioned at the beginning of this episode were North Korea & Industrial Agriculture w/ Zhun Xu and History of Sanctions on the DPRK & China w/ Tim Beal, be sure to check them out! Ju-Hyun Park is a writer and activist with Nodutdol for Korean Community Development. Their writing has appeared in a variety of outlets, and they can be followed on Twitter @hermit_hwarang.