Madang Journal [Vol 4, December 2005]

Institute for the Study of Theology, Sungkonghoe University

Publication

Madang Journal [Vol 4, December 2005]

Institute for the Study of Theology, Sungkonghoe University

Abstract

"Minjung suffered most at the bottom of the oppressive Japanese power. Their suffering should be accounted for. This means that the Japanese power should be on the table of historical accounting. It is agreed that the Japanese colonial policy was a most brutal one, for it exacted not only political loyalty and economic wealth; but it forced a cultural annihilation through assimilation and a religious loyalty, betraying their own religious faith. In the second place, the Minjung perspective does not allow any attempt of historical accounting from the point of view of the powerful in the Korean regimes. This means a radical democratic perspective of the Minjung. No leaders can claim any self-righteous position to judge the past. There should be a broad democratic consensus among the Korean people in the accounting of the past history in order to have a true justice and reconciliation for the unity of the people. Another issue is the dimension of the collective guilt of the Korean people. All Koreans are somewhat involved in the historical responsibility in accepting the Japanese rule, although it could not be avoided. Historical accounting means a healing of the national collective guilt as well as the hurt of the Minjung of the Korean people. We realize that the task of historical accounting of the past is a very difficult. Time has passed more that 60 years from the liberation of Korea. Truth and facts are difficult to determine, unless persons involved tell the truth of their guilt and responsibility with truthfulness. Historical records are not completeand memories are fading. Even if there are records about the perpetrators and their acts, most of them passed away and, therefore, they cannot defend themselves. Without their advocacy to defend legitimately themselves, the truth about them could be distorted and arbitrary. Some people argue that such difficulty warrants closing of the historical books. Some people argue that historical accounting divides the people, and, therefore, the case should be closed. However, this is not acceptable for the sake of historical justice, of the healing of the Minjung, of national reconciliation and of the future of the people. We should not forget the past; for the past is the mother of wisdom to create new future. Here are some historical examples from which we can learn. Jesus did not ignore the issue of justice. Jesus took the forgiveness as the heart of the power of healing the people. There was Peter, who betrayed Jesus in the court of Roman Empire. There is Judas who betrayed Jesus in collaboration with the authorities, which crucified Jesus."(pg 5)

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2005-12

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Madang Journal [Vol 4, December 2005]

Institute for the Study of Theology, Sungkonghoe University

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