Abstract:
We are aware that regional harmony is imperative for regional peace. East Asia cannot aspire for peace unless the countries of the region learn to exist harmoniously with each other. Moreover, the spread of the Corona virus also bears testimony to the inter-connectedness of the countries of the region. It has become more essential now than ever before for countries of the region to live in harmony with each other. Therefore, among various other things, one thing that would be essential is for South Korea and Japan to first find ways of resolving their past. Are there ways in which things can be done differently than before to achieve this?
It is also recognized by experts and scholars of international relations that the 21st century is that of Asian power. Historically too, Asia has been playing a major role in the world and had been contributing more than half of the world’s GDP until the mid eighteenth century. The last 200 years are said to be an aberration where the power shifted to the West. There is a course-correction taking place again. The countries of Asia cannot capitalize or grab the opportunity of becoming the hub of power if they do not prepare themselves for it.
The major impediments to harmonious relations in the region are the many contentious issues between nations in the region. This paper analyses why resolution has not been possible so far before suggesting ways of doing it differently. The methodology adopted was an analytical one. The analysis is based on the premise that living harmoniously with the neighbouring countries of the region, while at the same time, taking care of ones interest, would be the order of the coming era.
Traditionally Korea has been a country that believed in peaceful co-existence. Korea has always adopted a ‘live and let live’ attitude. Though Taoism was a Chinese import, but Korea adapted very well to the philosophy it enshrined. Korea believed in living in harmony with both, its surrounding environment as well as the surrounding countries.
It is this strength of the country to adapt that allowed it to progress by leaps and bounds while it still retained its humility. It has been able to reach out to those on the top of the ladder even while speaking from below. Korea has been able to lead even from behind Furthermore, it has been able to, not only catch the attention of the world, but also win their admiration.
However, despite all these qualities there is one pain that Korea has not been able to accept or rid itself of. It is that of letting go its colonial past. Anyone familiar with its colonial history would know the reasons. Even if one were to accept that colonialism as a practice was not entirely inappropriate during the times in question but the methods adopted by the colonisers on the victims was most brutal. The intangible injury to Korea’s self-respect was graver than the tangible injury it had to face. This has understandably left an indelible mark on its psyche.
But since they are neighbouring countries, and since the current times require that in the self-interest of the countries of the same region they not only learn to co-exist with their differences but find ways to cooperate and live harmoniously, it becomes compelling to find a solution. It is no longer enough to adopt just a ‘live and let live’ attitude.
In order to make Asia the number one power in the world countries need to cooperate harmoniously in every aspect of the term. For that to happen the countries have to first come to terms with their past and then move beyond.
Can South Korea take the lead in its relations with Japan, by doing things differently? Recently South Korea showed to the world that it could do things differently from others. It was the only country that did not shut its borders with China even during the early days of the pandemic when there was a panic. Even North Korea, China’s closest ally shut its borders. The reason why South Korea took that decision was because it felt that while the pandemic is short-lived relationships are enduring, and countries have to be sensitive to them. This was a show of sensitivity during the most difficult times. Can Korea attempt a unique way of resolution this time too?
Presented online at the 6th World Humanities Forum held in the Republic of Korea from November 19-21, 2020
Dr. Vyjayanti Raghavan 