ABOUT THIS BOOK
This important new study by one of Korea’s leading historians focuses on the international relations of colonial Korea – from the Japanese rule of the peninsula and its foreign relations (1905–1945) to the ultimate liberation of the country at the end of the Second World War. In addition, it fills a significant gap – the ‘blank space’ – in Korean diplomatic history. Furthermore, it highlights several other fundamental aspects in the history of modern Korea, such as the historical perception of the policy-making process and the attitudes of both China and Britain which influenced US policy regarding Korea at the end of World War II.

AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
Ewha Womans University

REVIEWS
‘As a carefully crafted work of diplomatic history, Ku’s book identifies and explains the key events that drove this tumultuous period in Korea’s past….But more broadly, Ku also provides us with a thoughtful examination of the nature of ‘international politics’ in a polity subject to the rule of another. In exploring the ‘Korean question’ within the wider ebb and flow and imperial visions and forces within and beyond the region, it sheds light on the entangled politics of competing empires and nationalisms in the making of modern East Asia.’

Robert Fletcher & Tehyun Ma, Series Editors Renaissance Books Imperialism in East Asia Series

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editors’ Preface

Abbreviations

Notes

Glossary

Preface

Part 1: The Period of Annexation

CHAPTER 1: A GENERAL FRAMEWORK

Japan and Korea

Policies of the Powers toward Korea – the United States and Great Britain

Perception in the Study of International History

CHAPTER 2: POLITICS OF ANNEXATION

Problems in Existing Studies

East Asian Relations after the Russo-Japanese War

Protectorate Politics and the Powers

Annexation and the Powers

Conclusion: Annexation and International Politics

CHAPTER 3: CONSOLIDATION AND EXPANSION: THE 1910s

Issues

The East Asian Situation and Korea

Korea and Manchuria

Domestic Affairs and Changes of Perception

Conclusion

CHAPTER 4: THE MARCH FIRST MOVEMENT (1919)

Problems in Existing Studies

The East Asian Situation and Korea

British Reactions and the Jiandao Incident

American Reactions

Conclusion

CHAPTER 5: CHANGES IN PEACETIME: THE 1920s

The East Asian Situation

Japan and Changes of Perception

Japan’s Continental Policy and the Korean Peninsula

Japan’s Colonial Policy and the Powers

Conclusion

CHAPTER 6: BRIDGE BETWEEN JAPAN AND MANCHURIA:THE 1930s

Issues

The East Asian Situation and Korea

The Korean Peninsula and Manchuria

Japan’s Colonial Policy and the Powers

Conclusion

RETROSPECTIVE: KOREA THROUGH A WESTERN LOOKING GLASS

Part 2: Role of the US and Other Powers

CHAPTER 7 PROBLEMS IN PREVIOUS STUDIES ON LIBERATION AND DIVISION

CHAPTER 8 : U.S. POLICY TOWARD KOREA: RECOGNITION OF INDEPENDENCE AND THE PROVISIONAL GOVERNMEN

The United States and the Korean Question

Early Responses: Common Approach with China and Britain

Review of the Korean Question before the Cairo Declaration

Cairo and After

Reactivating the Allies’ Common Policy

Conclusion

CHAPTER 9: CHINA’S KOREA POLICY: REASSERTION OF ITS POSITION AND KOREA

The United States and Other Powers in the Korean Question

Wartime Policies of the KMT Government and Korea

Restraints Imposed upon the KPG and Independence Army

Response of the KPG to the KMT Policy

Sino-American Cooperation and Confrontation over Korea Policy

Conclusion: Liberation and the Change of China’s KPG Policy

CHAPTER 10 : BRITISH KOREA POLICY: RESTORATION OF THE EMPIRE AND THE KOREAN QUESTION

Britain’s Presence in the Korean Question

Restoration of the Empire – Clash with the United States

East Asia and Korea in British Policy

British Perceptions of the Korean Question

The Cairo Declaration and After

Conclusion: “Korea in World Politics”

CHAPTER 11: THE SOVIET UNION AND KOREA: REVISITING SOVIET INTERVENTION IN THE KOREAN QUESTION

Soviet Factors in U.S. Korea Policy

Soviet Entry into the Korean Question

U.S. Deterrence vis-a-vis the Soviets in Kore

Military Occupation and the Division of Korea

A Reinterpretation of the Soviet Intervention

Conclusion: Finlandization and Division?

CHAPTER 12: A NEW LOOK AT THE TRUSTEESHIP

Problems in Existing Interpretations

Trusteeship in Colonial History

The Allies’ Discussions on Trusteeship

Korean Trusteeship: Historical Perceptions and Realities

American Preparations for Trusteeship

Conclusion: Trusteeship and Division

EPILOGUE AND CONCLUSION: AN ESTABLISHED DIVISION

Epilogue

Conclusion: The Division Established

Bibliography

Index