Rethinking "Zainichi Koreans": Dong-Eui University Presents and Discusses Ten Years of Research, Reflections, and Introspection

East Asia Research Institute Marks 10th Anniversary with International Academic Symposium

The Dong-Eui University East Asia Research Institute, led by Director Lee Kyungkyu, held an international academic symposium on the theme of "Zainichi Koreans."

The institute announced on September 29 that it hosted the 26th International Academic Symposium under the theme "Ten Years of Zainichi Korean Studies: Reflections and Introspection on Research Achievements" in Seminar Room 315 of Jicheon Hall on September 26, with participation from Zainichi Koreans and related researchers.

In the first presentation, Zainichi essayist Oh Munja delivered a talk titled "The Aspiration of Zainichi Korean Women to Serve as a Bridge Between Korea and Japan." She explained, "For Zainichi Koreans, the challenge ahead is not to be subordinated to the government of their homeland, but to take root as local residents in Japan and participate in Japanese society, coexisting and thriving together."

She emphasized, "To achieve this, we must firmly establish our roots in Japan and live here in order to create a legacy that can be passed down to the next generation."

Zainichi writer Kim Gilho presented on the topic "Half a Century Living in Japan: Why I Wrote Novels Only in Korean." Kim stated, "As the Korean economy has developed, it has become much easier to travel back and forth to Japan, almost like visiting a neighbor's house." He added, "Now, the daily lives of Zainichi Koreans are immediately conveyed to Korea through various media, and I hope the stories I write about Zainichi Koreans will also be reborn in my homeland."

The symposium continued with a variety of presentations, including "The Issue of Authenticity in Colonial Memories" by Kwon Ojeong, Professor Emeritus at Ryukoku University in Japan; "First-Generation Zainichi Korean Mother Jeong Byungchun" by Lee Sugyeong, Professor at Tokyo Gakugei University; and "Rethinking the Ethnicity of Zainichi Koreans" by Lee Hongjang, Professor at Kobe Gakuin University, followed by lively discussions.

Finally, Professor Cha Mincheol from Dong-Eui University's Department of Film Studies screened his independent documentary film "Monsieur Jeon: The Homecoming of a Veteran." Jeon Byeongil, originally from Hamhung, left Korea during the Korean War to join the French Battalion of the UN forces, later serving as a foreign legionnaire in the Indochina War and the Algerian War. He has lived in France for 50 years since leaving Korea. Professor Cha said, "I wanted to document his tumultuous life, which is why I planned this independent documentary."

Over the past ten years, the Dong-Eui University East Asia Research Institute has conducted collaborative research projects supported by the Ministry of Education and the National Research Foundation of Korea, including foundational research support projects and humanities and social sciences research institute support projects. Recently, by being selected for the Humanities City Support Project, it is reestablishing itself as a leading mid-sized research institute promoting the popularization of the humanities.

The Dong-Eui University East Asia Research Institute is holding an international academic symposium to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

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