Journey Seven: What the Idea of "Minjok" Imposes on Contemporary Korea

What the Idea of “Minjok” Imposes on Contemporary Korea

I.        Introduction

II.      Conceptual Definition of Minjok,

                        i.  In Past Terms

                      ii.   In Modern Terms

III.   The Appearance of Minjok in History,

                        i. Korea

                      ii.  The World

IV.    The Idea of Minjok in Korea,

I. Introduction

             Korea is thought to be a pure country using the concept “Minjok.” This one term describes our ethnicity, culture, the way we think, behave and even gives us a sense of unity. It is abstruse to truly grasp the meaning of this word as it is so vague in many levels. For example, looking at the translations done by various dictionaries and historical documents, the concept “Minjok” is translated to the term “Nation.” But this change seems to be inaccurate as the feelings that these words impose are vastly different. In the 1870s it was the Japanese who first adopted the term “Nation” in European countries and converted it into “Minjok.” China followed this idea in 1903 and redefined Minjok contrasting it with the term Gookmin. In 1906, due to the effects of China; Korea finally imported the word, “Minjok.”

             Minjok was a concept that has been readily used by Japan (In the colonial era) and Korea’s past governments for the purpose of indoctrination. Furthermore, this concept had succeeded in uniting the people of Korea to feel and think as one. As history suggests, “Minjok” is not a concept that can be described as one word like “Nation.” It rather evokes a much broader sense of unity among people and the thoughts we have.

             But in modern times, this known concept is now being evaporated to the midst as the usual boundaries that defined Minjok is now ambiguous. Boundaries such as blood, nationality, and ethnicity have no affect whatsoever in the current global society. Globalization has altered the concept of Minjok.

II.  Conceptual Definition of Minjok

             Before globalization, boundaries existed to divide the nations of Korea, Japan, and China. It was blood and culture that divided the Minjok of these people. However culture was a vague standard to decide one's Minjok as migrations did exist at that time. But one standard, blood was never broken. The phenomenon Koreans only marrying Koreans, calling themselves ‘Danil Minjok’ (One Minjok) was the reason blood was acceptable for a standard. Even the language was used to determine the Minjok of the person. Only a few people learned how to speak other languages including diplomats. But now culture, blood and language are not a standard in determining one’s Minjok. The definition of Minjok is no longer the same and has changed.

 i.  In the Past Terms,

             As explained before, the concept of Minjok and its meanings were derived from European nations by the Japanese. Among terms that define human groups that possess a political nature, Minjok was the last term that came out. Unlike Kookmin or Injong, Minjok does not have a clear definition explained in a dictionary. In 1887, Japan’s Maige nationalists had spread the concept of Minjok throughout Japan, comparing “The German Minjok” with “The Great Yamato Minjok.”

But even the Maiges weren’t sure of the exact concept of Minjok. First, it was irrational to interpret “Nation” as “Minjok.” Looking at words such as nationality, nationalism, and national politics it is clear that the term “Nation” is a more close term with “Country” rather than “Minjok.” So the definition of Minjok was vague even then. But after the book 『National Imperialism』was written, “Minjok” was used to unite the people of Japan giving them reasons such as blood, culture, and ethnicity to believe. Later on they used this concept to indoctrinate Korea.

ii.  In Modern Times,

             Minjok has now become a concept of ambiguousness. Various nations are connected as one by developments in technology, communication, and even ideas. The reason why Minjok raises so many questions is because of the standards deciding which Minjok people are in. There are no standards in determining the Minjok of a person. Nationality, culture, blood, languages and other aspects that divided the people before are all mixed together into a huge ball. People can gain access to so many cultures and our thoughts and behaviors change so fast. The questions in identity even occur from here.

Am I Korean or American? This simple question may become the question that people would carry on for their entire lives. For example, there is a man who was born in Korea and was raised in America. Later on as he grew up the man believes that he is American but his nationality saids otherwise and makes him Korean. This phenomenon can be explained as the conflict between I and the society. The Minjok that each of us think and the Minjok that the society thinks are two different things. These conflicts occur because of the incomplete standards of dividing one's Minjok. Thus a question rises in our minds. Does Minjok really exist?

III. The Appearance of Minjok in History

 i.  Korea

             Even though the term “Minjok” was actually forged in the 20^th century, the ideas that Koreans were different from Chinese were still there. The names “Jokllyu” and “Dongpo” were used to acknowledge the differences between Koreans, Chinese, and the Japanese. Translating “Jokllyu” into English it would mean “ethos” (ethnic group). Through historical documents and books such as “The Annals of the Joseon Dynasty” we can infer that this term was specifically used to differentiate the foreigners from the Korean people. As the term exists we can assume that the sense of unity was already present between the people of Korea forming a unique identity.

The Annals of Joseon Dynasty

The word “Dongpo” was spread after the 1890s. The difference between these two words is a sense of equality. Jokllyu lacks the concept of equality in it where Dongpo explains the equality of all people who has the same Minjok. Minjok was a concept that existed in our ancestors from a very very long time.

             In the colonial era the term “Minjok” was misused by the Japanese. By indoctrinating the idea that Japan and Korea are one, the Japanese tried to creep inside the minds of young Koreans to make them into mindless machines worshiping Japan. But this act backfired as it actually created the Koreans to unite and become one to overpower the Japanese. An article from Dong-A-Ilbo explained this phenomenon.

             “Minjok is a cultural and historical existence, but furthermore it relates to politics and economy, making this concept the ultimate basis of forming a new country. As instinct we try to be one, we try to form a group driven by the unknown feeling that unites our ideas.”   -Dong-A-Ilbo-

One of the most noticed intellectuals who developed this idea was Shin Chae-Ho. During and after the colonization of Japan, Shin believed that "As Minjok, By Minjok, and For Minjok" was the goal that people should drive for when making a country. He believed that without understanding the true meaning of being the Minjok of Korea, it was impossible to achieve independence. And as we were united as one by Minjok, independence was not impossible. The loud shouts that were echoed during the 3-1 movement demonstrate the power of Minjok. The simple idea that we are one, has given the people hope and the will to live on. The powers in ideology have united the population in a specific culture or perhaps ethnicity.

            

President Park Jung Hee

History shows that Minjok is a powerful word. A word that can unite the people of Korea and make wonders breaking the limits of mankind. When President Park Jung Hee dictated over Korea, Minjok was used to sacrifice the people of Korea for industrial developments. The Park Chung-Hee government consistently referred to Minjok as it carried an ideal of Korean nationalistic movements of the late nineteenth century under the Japanese colonial rule. Economic development and national security was the main objectives of President Park. In order to effectively implant the ideology, the government spread the story of Danggun as proof of being one Minjok. Of course, during these developments some resisted and “gentle persuasions” were made to change their ideologies. The power of myths and founding legends convinced the people of Korea making it the 10^th economically strong country in the world. But the phenomenon begs a question. Are the means taken by Park Jung Hee justified? Looking at the results, the measures taken by him were so successful and the use of Minjok made it difficult for people to question the fundamental legitimacy of the government’s plans.

ii. The World

             One of the similar terms that relates to Minjok can be said as Romantic Nationalism. This philosophical movement of Romanticism occurred in Europe at the end of the 18^th century meeting with Nationalism. This movement elevated folk art, traditions, and ancient customs of people to something noble. France and Germany are the main countries that Japan adopted in creating the term Minjok. After the French Revolution in 1789, Napoleon promoted nationalism and the cultural unity of the French based on “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.” However the spread of French nationalism were too broad as it tried to impose its meanings to other foreign countries across Europe.

             The Nazis have also grasped the sense of nationalism and used it to unite the people of Germany. January 1933, National socialism assumed the power in Germany. It was never achieved by a revolution, but “legally” through the support of the conservative parties who adopted the idea of nationalism. This simple idea of uniting the people as one have made the Nazis possible to conquer half of Europe and have ultimate ruling through loyalty.

IV.  The Idea of Minjok in Korea

             The final question through all the research and knowledge is this. Can Korea use the concept of Minjok again and will it serve the needs of Korea in the future? To be short, the answer cannot be said. The concept and the idea of Minjok have changed throughout the ages. In the past, Minjok was easy to define, Minjok had the power to unite the people and make Koreans wish for a nationalistic cause. But now due to globalization, the ideology is vague. People are not even sure that they possess a part in Korean Minjok anymore. The term Minjok meant blood, language, and culture. But now these three main boundaries are broken and mixed throughout the globe. As the world changes the definition of Minjok must change. But without choosing or selecting the true idea of Minjok it would be impossible for Korea to actually use Minjok itself to develop.

             But even though Minjok does not truly exist in the living world, it has been residing in Korea’s heart for a very long time. For example, the Red Devils in 2002 demonstrates how Korea can be united as one.

The important thing here is that Minjok could have just purely been a modern phenomenon. But this sense of ethnic gathering has been used throughout history and is still being utilized politically and historically. This is what’s unique about Minjok in Korea. Minjok could just be a normal aspect among people, but what history tells us is different. Minjok is being reproduced constantly generation to generation having a sense of a permanent life form. This fact mixed with the Korean society would form the concept Ethnic Nationalism.

             However this concept of ethnic nationalism and Minjok must never be interpreted as racism. Minjok does not separate or segregate other races to ours. In the past, this concept was used to differentiate the foreigners as explained previously. But currently as globalization occurred the concept of Minjok is too vague to be defined. Blood, ethnicity or culture are being a common property in the world. Every nation, every person in a society could interact with another culture, with another Minjok. Thus, eradicating the sense of segregation or discrimination.

             The concept itself would never affect Korea as its meanings were gone due to globalization. But the significance of this word is the aura that it imposes. We may never know how Minjok would actually affect our nation as its meaning changes constantly. Korea may only suggest which direction it could lead them.

References

•      Dongkook Kang, 『The Conceptual History of Political Identity in Modern Korea: Gukmin, Injong, Minjok』 (2006)

•      Chanseung Park, 『The Formation Process of ‘Minjok’ Concept in Korea』 (2008)

•      Insuk Joo, Byuongchul Park, 『Understanding of Shin Chae Ho’s “Minjok(nation)” and “Minjung(people)”』 (2011)

•      Taehoon Lee, 『Does “Minjok” mean ethnie?』 (2012)

•      Jinwoong Kang, 『The Epic of the Republic of Korea’s Minjok: The Development of Ethnic Nationalism and Its Faces』 (2013)

•      Hans Kohn, 『Nationalism in Nazi Germany』

•      JuHee Han, 『Finding the better direction of Korean Nationalism through a critical review of the Chinese nationalism』 (2012)

Club Activities: Student Speeches Essay

This is the article that I wrote for "Minjok Herald." -- This is not the final draft but it was revised a few times. In the next version I hope my article appears. 

About student speeches...

Every Monday a student of Korean Minjok Leadership Academy comes out and makes a speech. Among KMLAians these speeches have been a hot issue due to various voices discussing its purpose and effectiveness.

The history of the student speech system was explained by 16^th waver and Chief of the 13^th Executive Council Ryu Ji-won. “Before I suggested every KMLAian should be allowed to make a speech, only the members of the Student Council stood upon the podium. As I saw the Student Council members being forced to make a speech, giving the chance to other students seemed to be a much better policy.”

17^th wavers Ko Geun-Hyung and Jeong Han-Sol, who had both made speeches, stated that the purpose of student speeches was mainly to express opinions. “As morning assemblies are part of the curriculum, the participation of students is essential.” said Ko. Meanwhile, Jeong, he stated “Student speeches are the only way to explicitly express opinions as they are heard directly by the students and the teachers. KMLA Talk and other means of articulating opinions are ineffective as they have never persisted.” Then a question is raised: is this purpose kept well? For now, both Ko and Jeong believe so.

Another issue raised is the mandatory use of English in student speeches. As a part of EOP, it is necessary for all students to use English in formal situations. But some believe that forcing KMLAians to use English might jeopardize the delivery of the speech. Ko said “Most Korean teachers have difficulties understanding speeches in English. The purpose of these speeches is to get the message across, which using Korean supports. Furthermore, the option to make speeches may be limited to students who can fluently speak English.” But Jeong disagreed, as he stated “Using English seems plausible according to EOP. Also, KMLAians should be able to deliver a speech in English. So the problem is the level of each student’s preparation, not EOP.” Meanwhile, Ryu said “The students must be able to choose which language they would use as it is their speech. EOP should exist, but if English is uncomfortable for the student to delivering the speech, the Korean must also be allowed.”

KMLAians have also expressed the need for improvements in the student speech system. Ko stated “Nobody should be able to stop or censor the speech at any situation. Also, the audience must be ready to listen intently even if the speaker is bad at English or in speaking, the audience must learn how to listen.” Furthermore, Jeong, said “The speeches themselves aren’t such a bad policy. But nobody should interfere with the speech or cut it in the middle. These speeches should be a non-aggressive ritual.”

Many similar controversial ideas have been coming up on KMLA Online or in gossips. KMLAians’ role in these matters seems essential as student speeches are an important aspect in morning assemblies. Looking at the history of the system and the opinions of various interviewees, it’s up to the students to alter the course of student speeches if need be.

Personal Projects: Student Speeches - Interview Three (3)

The third and final interview was done with 17th waver Jung Han-Sol. He also spoke in front of the school during the student speeches. Another interview was done with him. 

Interview Questions

1. What do you think is the purpose of the student speech program?
A: The student speech program is the only way that students could talk about their opinions and ideas that they've kept inside them. Comparing it with the historical "Chosun Dynasty's Shinmungo" which is a drum used by the people when they would like to express something unlawful. Currently there are ways the students could express their opinions, but it is not used readily and is hard to see them being kept. Even if there is a KMLA Talk session it is very uncomfortable to raise issues relating to the school directly. Mostly every policy that is suggested is never kept. 

2. Do you think the purpose is being kept well?
A: Well it seems like it. But still there is a feeling that the topics are similar. Most of the speakers use the podium to speak towards the students not the teachers or the head-master. 

3. Some believe that the delivery of the message was somewhat lacking as to the use of English. Do you think that the student speeches should be limited to English?
A: If I could answer shortly, I agree to EOP. In places where everyone is present the policy is that students use English. Also people who attend KMLA should have enough English skills to say what they want. It's not even an impromptu speech, you have a script. Even if the speaker is bad at English, it's their problem concerning preparation not the problem of the EOP.

4. What measures should we take to improve the student speech program?
A: The program that we have right now isn't that bad. But as 17th waver Ko's speech, nobody should be forced down during their speeches. I wish that student speeches should never be interfered from the students and the teachers. 

Personal Projects: Student Speeches - Interview Two (2)

The second interview was done with 17th waver Ko Geun-Hyeong. A student who once spoke in front of the whole school because of student speeches.

Interview Questions

1. What do you think is the purpose of the student speech program?
A: The obvious purpose would be participation. As the morning student speech is a part of a class, as its meaning suggests that students must participate.

But my motive was different. I wanted to  the head master. I wanted to fight him. Student speeches are the only way to express our criticism towards the school. There should be a function that allows students to show and tell their discontent. 

2. Do you think the purpose is being kept well?
A: Looking at the past speeches the obvious purpose is being kept well. There were a few nice topics that the students should focus into.

3. Some believe that the delivery of the message was somewhat lacking as to the use of English. Do you think that the student speeches should be limited to English?
A: I believe that the student speeches should permit Korean. The teachers can't understand if the students use English with their speeches. The speeches would be limited to the people who are good at English. As delivery is essential I believe that using Korean should be allowed.

4. What measures should we take to improve the student speech program?
A: First, the students must not be stopped during the speeches.
Second, there should be no censorship to the speeches.
Next, the audience should practice listening to the speeches. When I was doing the speech the seniors were yelling at me "Do it right!!"
Finally, even though the speaker is bad at English they should still try to intently hear the speeches. 

Personal Projects: Student Speeches - Interview One

Being a Minjok Herald Writer we are obligated to interview various students and teachers. The topic that I was assigned to was "Student Speeches." These days various students are participating on the student speeches. By interviewing three students I tried to realize the history, purpose and the effectiveness of this policy.

The first interview was done with 16th waver and Chief of the 13th Executive Council Ryu Ji-Won. The creator of student speeches.

1. What was your motive in creating the student speech program?
A: Before I suggested every KMLAian should be allowed to make a speech, only the members of the Student Council stood upon the podium. As the Student Council members did not always have something important to say, providing the chance to other students seemed to be a much better policy.

16th Waver Ryu Ji-won

2. Do you think the purpose is being kept well? And why?
A: The purpose itself is being kept right now. But I'm not sure if all the speeches were beneficial for us. Sometimes people have dissatisfaction on the length of speeches  rather than the content of it. 

3. So is the current student speech program effective in fulfilling the purpose?
A: If nobody comes out and shouts nonsense anyone can improve the current system. I presume that some adjustments will be made relating to censorship. 

4. What improvements do you think will be needed to correct these problems?
A: The language would also be adjusted. Some people are comfortable with Korean. So the speaker should be able to choose which language he/she would speak in front of the whole school. 

A Different Journey: Anticlimax, the name suggests...

Anticlimax: a drop, often sudden and unexpected, from a dignified or important idea or situation to one that is trivial or humorous. 
Also a sudden descent from something sublime to something ridiculous. In fiction and drama, this refers to action that is disappointing in contrast to the previous moment of intense interest. In rhetoric, the effect is frequently intentional and comic.

Where the Term comes from !!!

The term Anticlimax comes from the combination of two Greek words: anti, which means "against" or "the reverse of," and klimax, which means "a ladder" and was derived from klinein meaning "to slope."

Examples

1. Novels

Oh, poor Mr. Jones," mourned Mrs. Smith, "Did you hear what happened to him? He tripped at the top of the stairs, fell down the whole flight, banged his head, and died.". " Died?" said Mrs. Robinson, shocked. "Died!" repeated Mrs. Smith with emphasis. "Broke his glasses, too."

(Isaac Asimov, Isaac Asimov's Treasury of Humor. Houghton Mifflin, 1971)

Examples from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.

Pride and Prejudice!

1.     The ladies were somewhat more fortunate, for they had the advantage of ascertaining from an upper window, that he wore a blue coat, and rode a black horse.

2.     He begged pardon for having displeased her. In a softened tone she declared herself not at all offended; but he continued to apologize for about a quarter of an hour.

3.     Mr Collins had only to change from Jane to Elizabeth – and it was soon done – done while Mrs Bennet was stirring the fire.

4.     …his friend Mr Darcy soon drew the attention of the room by his fine, tall person, handsome features, noble mien, and the report which was in general circulation within five minutes after his entrance, of his having ten thousand a-year.

2. Songs
And as I'm sinkin
The last thing that I think
Is, did I pay my rent...

(Jim O'Rourke, Ghost ship in a storm)

3. Movies

A famous example is the ending of The War of the Worlds, where, amidst the chaos of the extraterrestrial takeover of planet Earth, the aliens are defeated by the most unexpected organism: the common cold. Another example could involve the protagonist faced with insurmountable odds and ultimately being killed, without accomplishing their goal, despite what appears to be a turning point for the character.

4. Quotes

"The holy passion of friendship is of so sweet and steady and loyal and enduring a nature that it will last through a whole lifetime, if not asked to lend money." — Mark Twain

Personal Projects: After Swimming...

I Love Swimming

And after the Gangwon-Athletic Competition my love has never been higher.

This year the swimming team known as "H2O" has earned 7 Medals total.

1 Gold Medal

2 Silver Medals

4 Bronze Medals

and among these various medals not even a single one has my name on it.

Then, why does my love for swimming increase when I didn't even accomplish anything?

This year swimming has given me a clear goal.

A goal that I will never forget.

Let me tell you the whole story.

I started swimming because of my parents. My parents insisted that I learned swimming as it had been their life's dream to learn swimming. But as they were poor they've never actually got the chance to learn any. So my journey begins with my parents.

I started learning Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, and Butterfly. Every vacation I went to the  city pool to learn swimming. I was pretty good as I won several medals with backstroke and freestyle. With three medals I thought my journey ended then...

Then came KMLA!!!

This chance, this unpredictable school had invited me back to the realms of swimming. When it was time to choose student clubs, I remember a sign grasping my eye. 

"JOIN H2O - KMLA Swimming Team"

Photo of the KMLA Swimming Team!

I hesitated for a moment...

Thinking 'Is swimming my way. Is it my road to destiny?'

The answer was "Yes"

I don't know why but a "Yes" sign was hovering over my head.

After the historical moment, a meeting was assembled. All H2O members were obligated to do a physical test!!

Push-ups, jump ropes, running tests it was hard...

After the test, 17th waver Bum-Jun Choo had given us an assignment to work out everyday!

1. 20 push-ups everyday

2. Don't use the elevator, use the stairs...

3. Everyday at the end of class run the track

4. 300 jump-ropes everyday

From February to March I was pretty good at keeping these physical assignments. But as time passed one by one these assignments were gone from my head as the wind blows over mountains and rivers.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday the swimming team goes out for practice to a near by pool. Honestly, it's not that nearby as it takes about 30 minutes to get there by bus. We change into our swimming suits and go inside.

In the club we do what is called "Fin Swimming" Here's a video to demonstrate.

I was supposed to learn diving, turning, and fin swimming for 3 months and go out on a competition. It seemed reckless but I tried it anyway as I always love a good challenge.

I was going out for 400m, 800m fin swimming. 

For a moment I thought 'Maybe... I might win a medal...'

Turns out I was the first to go out. Without thinking I was doomed. With 14 competitors I was 4th!!! Counting from the back ㅠ.ㅠ

Our swimming teacher, kangsan, and me!

This was the most embarrassing moment of my life. I thought I did enough. I thought it was enough but no... The world was cold as the north wind blows upon the mountains of ice. 

I dumped my head down and was despairing...

'What went wrong?' I kept thinking to myself.

I was too slow... Because I needed to swim 400m I thought conserving my strength was important... But no... You need to be at full speed from the beginning...

The experience taught me how to dive, how to turn, and how to fin swim. Next year...

I promise you... Two Gold Medals will be hanging over my neck!!!

Remember! I will practice for a year and will come back to get that first place. Just wait...

And if you read through the whole thing always remind me to work on fin swimming. Just try to motivate me...

I'll be waiting 2014!!!