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Rhee Young-hoonRhee Young-…
Anti-Japan Tribalism: The Root of the Korean Crisis
Paperback – April 30, 2024
by Rhee Young-hoon (Author), Chizuko T. Allen (Translator)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
A bestseller that shook both Japan and South Korea, the English edition has finally arrived!
Amid the strained relationship between Japan and South Korea, a groundbreaking book caused a great sensation in South Korea. Later, the Japanese edition was also published, and "Anti-Japan Tribalism," swiftly rose to become a bestseller in both countries. The book is written by former Seoul National University professor and current president of Syngman Rhee Academy, Rhee Young-hoon, alongside concerned scholars and journalists who feel a sense of crisis about the current situation. They provide evidence-based arguments built on empirical historical research on issues such as comfort women, forced recruitment, and the Dokdo dispute, exposing the "fabricated history" prevalent in Korea.
What distinguishes this book from typical publications criticizing Korea's anti-Japanese views is its meticulous approach. Experts in economic history scrutinized primary sources and compiled the verified facts according to their conscience. As a result, significant falsehoods in the historical perception that has dominated Korea on various aspects of historical issues have been revealed. Years of education based on these distortions have led many people in Korea to accept the distorted historical perception as the truth, fueling anti-Japan sentiments. An intolerant 'tribalism,' a form of ethnic nationalism, that forcibly excludes dissenting opinions pervades Korea and serves as the root cause of the crisis in Korea and its relations with Japan.
Written by scholars with a deep love for the Republic of Korea and in hopes for the improvement of the Japan-Korea relations, this book is indeed a book of patriotism.
Read less
Report an issue with this product or seller
Print length 318 pages
1
Product details
ASIN : B0D34GLXR3
Publisher : Independently published (April 30, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 318 pages
#918 in Japanese History (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
Rhee Young-hoon
Rhee Young-hoon was born in Korea and earned a doctorate in economics from Seoul National University. After teaching at Sungkyunkwan University, he served as a professor at the Department of Economics, Seoul National University. His main research area was the economy and society of Korea from the 17th to the 19th centuries. He criticized the dominant theory that traditional Korean society was gradually developing toward modern society, and argued that, conversely, it suffered a long period of stagnation and crisis from the mid-18th century until the end of the 19th century. His research on the 17th to 19th centuries led to the argument that Korea's modernization began from the period when Japan ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945. Because of this research, he is leading a small but very challenging and creative research group that stands against the nationalist school that forms the mainstream of Korean historical scholarship.
In 2013, he received the Kyung-Am Academic Award, the most prestigious award for social scientists in Korea. Around this time, he discovered that the first president of the Republic of Korea, Syngman Rhee (1875-1965), had very similar ideas about the decline and revival of Korean society and came to respect him.
After retiring from Seoul National University in 2017, he established the Syngman Rhee Academy and is engaged in researching and educating about Syngman Rhee's philosophy and activities for independence and nation-building. His books include Social and Economic History of the Late Joseon Dynasty(1988), Reinterpreting the Late Joseon Dynasty in Quantitative Economic History(2004), History of the Republic of Korea(2013), and Korean Economic History Ⅰ·Ⅱ. (2016).
Customer reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
Umme kazmi
5.0 out of 5 stars Colonial era: development instead of oppression?Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
Verified Purchase
I have read so many books about this period in history and it has always fascinated me.
However, I have to say that I was particularly fascinated by this book.
I love the alternative perspective on the Japanese-Korean relationship. Lee Young-hoon and his co-authors argue that Japan not only brought oppression, but also economic and infrastructural development that shaped Korea in the long run. Using statistics and historical documents, they show that industrialization, the education system and medical progress during Japanese rule reached a higher level than often portrayed.
They also challenge the widespread assumption that the colonial period had only disastrous consequences for Korea.
Isn't that interesting?
I don't want to give away any more spoilers, but the book is just great!
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Faisal Zafar
5.0 out of 5 stars This book really made me think and question everything!!Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
Verified Purchase
This book really made me think about some big questions. "Anti-Japan Tribalism" dives into how anti-Japan sentiment has shaped Korea’s politics and identity, and it explains it in a way that feels fresh and insightful. It gave me a better understanding of the roots of some of the rhetoric we still see today.
The economic analysis really stood out too. The authors bring up the colonial period in a way that challenges the usual narratives, even touching on how some policies might’ve had developmental benefits. It’s controversial, sure, but it’s the kind of perspective that makes you pause and think.
What I appreciated the most, though, was how it pushes for a more rational and less emotional approach to history. The call for fact-based discussions instead of just clinging to tribalism is such an important message.
Finally, Rhee advocates pushing beyond old and bitter historical disputes and grievances and towards a healthier and better future of better, stronger relations via mutual understanding.
This book is a great place to find new, bold, and fresh perspectives on Korean- Japan relations.
Read less
3 people found this helpful
Tiger Cyber-A
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all Korean PeopleReviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
All Korean people should read this. You would be surprised how distorted and manipulated what they taught to you at school. There are so many things I didn't know that they have hidden from us. The contents of this book is far different from common views but the authors logically explain why some of them are irrational and how politicians and media have manipulated the views about Japan.
3 people found this helpful
Mohammad Ahmad
5.0 out of 5 stars A courageous and much-needed publicationReviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
A courageous and much-needed publication
Finally, a book that challenges public and official narratives!
The author has managed to create an extraordinary work that turns traditional opinions upside down. He critically examines the conventional anti-Japanese narrative in Korea and shows how extreme emotional and nationalistic narratives influence the country's social and political development.
He impressively clarifies and dismantles historical misconceptions and myths while calling for a balanced discourse.
He simply offers amazing answers, and I recommend the book to anyone who wants to think critically and loves rational perspectives.
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Economic-historical scholarship at its finest
by Rhee Young-hoon (Author), Chizuko T. Allen (Translator)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
A bestseller that shook both Japan and South Korea, the English edition has finally arrived!
Amid the strained relationship between Japan and South Korea, a groundbreaking book caused a great sensation in South Korea. Later, the Japanese edition was also published, and "Anti-Japan Tribalism," swiftly rose to become a bestseller in both countries. The book is written by former Seoul National University professor and current president of Syngman Rhee Academy, Rhee Young-hoon, alongside concerned scholars and journalists who feel a sense of crisis about the current situation. They provide evidence-based arguments built on empirical historical research on issues such as comfort women, forced recruitment, and the Dokdo dispute, exposing the "fabricated history" prevalent in Korea.
What distinguishes this book from typical publications criticizing Korea's anti-Japanese views is its meticulous approach. Experts in economic history scrutinized primary sources and compiled the verified facts according to their conscience. As a result, significant falsehoods in the historical perception that has dominated Korea on various aspects of historical issues have been revealed. Years of education based on these distortions have led many people in Korea to accept the distorted historical perception as the truth, fueling anti-Japan sentiments. An intolerant 'tribalism,' a form of ethnic nationalism, that forcibly excludes dissenting opinions pervades Korea and serves as the root cause of the crisis in Korea and its relations with Japan.
Written by scholars with a deep love for the Republic of Korea and in hopes for the improvement of the Japan-Korea relations, this book is indeed a book of patriotism.
Read less
Report an issue with this product or seller
Print length 318 pages
1
Product details
ASIN : B0D34GLXR3
Publisher : Independently published (April 30, 2024)
Language : English
Paperback : 318 pages
#918 in Japanese History (Books)Customer Reviews:
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 13 ratings
Rhee Young-hoon
Rhee Young-hoon was born in Korea and earned a doctorate in economics from Seoul National University. After teaching at Sungkyunkwan University, he served as a professor at the Department of Economics, Seoul National University. His main research area was the economy and society of Korea from the 17th to the 19th centuries. He criticized the dominant theory that traditional Korean society was gradually developing toward modern society, and argued that, conversely, it suffered a long period of stagnation and crisis from the mid-18th century until the end of the 19th century. His research on the 17th to 19th centuries led to the argument that Korea's modernization began from the period when Japan ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945. Because of this research, he is leading a small but very challenging and creative research group that stands against the nationalist school that forms the mainstream of Korean historical scholarship.
In 2013, he received the Kyung-Am Academic Award, the most prestigious award for social scientists in Korea. Around this time, he discovered that the first president of the Republic of Korea, Syngman Rhee (1875-1965), had very similar ideas about the decline and revival of Korean society and came to respect him.
After retiring from Seoul National University in 2017, he established the Syngman Rhee Academy and is engaged in researching and educating about Syngman Rhee's philosophy and activities for independence and nation-building. His books include Social and Economic History of the Late Joseon Dynasty(1988), Reinterpreting the Late Joseon Dynasty in Quantitative Economic History(2004), History of the Republic of Korea(2013), and Korean Economic History Ⅰ·Ⅱ. (2016).
Customer reviews
4.9 out of 5 stars
Umme kazmi
5.0 out of 5 stars Colonial era: development instead of oppression?Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
Verified Purchase
I have read so many books about this period in history and it has always fascinated me.
However, I have to say that I was particularly fascinated by this book.
I love the alternative perspective on the Japanese-Korean relationship. Lee Young-hoon and his co-authors argue that Japan not only brought oppression, but also economic and infrastructural development that shaped Korea in the long run. Using statistics and historical documents, they show that industrialization, the education system and medical progress during Japanese rule reached a higher level than often portrayed.
They also challenge the widespread assumption that the colonial period had only disastrous consequences for Korea.
Isn't that interesting?
I don't want to give away any more spoilers, but the book is just great!
2 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Faisal Zafar
5.0 out of 5 stars This book really made me think and question everything!!Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2025
Verified Purchase
This book really made me think about some big questions. "Anti-Japan Tribalism" dives into how anti-Japan sentiment has shaped Korea’s politics and identity, and it explains it in a way that feels fresh and insightful. It gave me a better understanding of the roots of some of the rhetoric we still see today.
The economic analysis really stood out too. The authors bring up the colonial period in a way that challenges the usual narratives, even touching on how some policies might’ve had developmental benefits. It’s controversial, sure, but it’s the kind of perspective that makes you pause and think.
What I appreciated the most, though, was how it pushes for a more rational and less emotional approach to history. The call for fact-based discussions instead of just clinging to tribalism is such an important message.
Whether you agree with everything or not, it’s a thought-provoking
read that’ll stick with you.
Read less
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Kumail
5.0 out of 5 stars Genius bookReviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025
Verified Purchase
Nowadays we are so influenced by international factors that we forget what the truth really is.
We are often presented with “facts” and simply accept them as reality.
This is exactly why I found this book so surprising and ingenious.
read that’ll stick with you.
Read less
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Kumail
5.0 out of 5 stars Genius bookReviewed in the United States on February 17, 2025
Verified Purchase
Nowadays we are so influenced by international factors that we forget what the truth really is.
We are often presented with “facts” and simply accept them as reality.
This is exactly why I found this book so surprising and ingenious.
The book challenges the publicly accepted Korean hostility towards Japan and manages to break down historical myths.
This book is a must-read for anyone who thinks they know what happened in history.
Simply amazing and brilliant!
2 people found this helpful
Owais Chaudhary
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended! A great opportunity to learn about different perspectivesReviewed in the United States on November 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book and probably learned new information and perspectives I had not considered beforehand. The book is highly thought-provoking, forcing the reader to stop, question, and challenge the long-held assumptions and biases. This is a good first step to confront and hopefully change for the better, how Koreans perceive Japan more positively and constructively.
The book successfully offers a highly detailed and well-researched analysis which is certainly bold. The author succeeds in bringing out some of the lesser-discussed topics about the shaping of Korea’s national identity, which benefits the reader with a much more comprehensive perspective and understanding of the topic.
This book is a must-read for anyone who thinks they know what happened in history.
Simply amazing and brilliant!
2 people found this helpful
Owais Chaudhary
5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended! A great opportunity to learn about different perspectivesReviewed in the United States on November 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed reading this book and probably learned new information and perspectives I had not considered beforehand. The book is highly thought-provoking, forcing the reader to stop, question, and challenge the long-held assumptions and biases. This is a good first step to confront and hopefully change for the better, how Koreans perceive Japan more positively and constructively.
The book successfully offers a highly detailed and well-researched analysis which is certainly bold. The author succeeds in bringing out some of the lesser-discussed topics about the shaping of Korea’s national identity, which benefits the reader with a much more comprehensive perspective and understanding of the topic.
In my opinion, one of the biggest strengths of this book, is the author’s genuine attempt to bring fair and meaningly discussion without shying away from controversial topics that can be sensitive for some people.
Finally, Rhee advocates pushing beyond old and bitter historical disputes and grievances and towards a healthier and better future of better, stronger relations via mutual understanding.
This book is a great place to find new, bold, and fresh perspectives on Korean- Japan relations.
Read less
3 people found this helpful
Tiger Cyber-A
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for all Korean PeopleReviewed in the United States on December 30, 2024
Verified Purchase
All Korean people should read this. You would be surprised how distorted and manipulated what they taught to you at school. There are so many things I didn't know that they have hidden from us. The contents of this book is far different from common views but the authors logically explain why some of them are irrational and how politicians and media have manipulated the views about Japan.
3 people found this helpful
Mohammad Ahmad
5.0 out of 5 stars A courageous and much-needed publicationReviewed in the United States on December 11, 2024
Verified Purchase
A courageous and much-needed publication
Finally, a book that challenges public and official narratives!
The author has managed to create an extraordinary work that turns traditional opinions upside down. He critically examines the conventional anti-Japanese narrative in Korea and shows how extreme emotional and nationalistic narratives influence the country's social and political development.
He impressively clarifies and dismantles historical misconceptions and myths while calling for a balanced discourse.
He simply offers amazing answers, and I recommend the book to anyone who wants to think critically and loves rational perspectives.
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Economic-historical scholarship at its finest
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2024
Verified Purchase
Professor Rhee Young-hoon is well-known in South Korea and Japan as an empirical scholar whose use of extensive economic records and other primary sources has helped correct a long-distorted history of the Korean Peninsula's period as part of the Japanese Empire. While communist, nationalist, and other agenda-driven historians in South Korea have sought either to discredit South Korea as a nation by emphasizing its working relationship with Japan in the postwar, or inflame South Korean nationalism by denouncing Japan, Professor Rhee takes a non-political, positivist approach. He reads old documents, contextualizes them, and comes to conclusions which are neither nationalist nor communist--simply historical.
Professor Rhee's (and his co-authors') thesis in Anti-Japan Tribalism is, in fact, a strong refutation of nationalism in scholarship. Professor Rhee's diagnosis of his own country, South Korea's, ills as being rooted in a kind of pathological inability to tell the truth about history is shocking to readers from outside the Korean Peninsula. And yet, he makes his case methodically and with an abundance of patient, scholarly explication. I found this book fascinating, impossible to put down. Anyone interested in economic history, or just in honest scholarship free from political or national bias, will want to buy and read Anti-Japan Tribalism. Professor Rhee Young-hoon is to be commended for his commitment to historical truth, regardless of where the political winds try blowing him.
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
FreeTradeTool
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly fascinating readReviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
This monumental work that actually became a bestseller in South Korea despite its sharp criticism of the population's deep-rooted anti-Japan psyche is nothing short of fascinating. The breadth of material covered and depth of the analysis by the scholars are quite commendable as well as their courage to undertake such task given the hostile environment in their homeland for such work.
Verified Purchase
Professor Rhee Young-hoon is well-known in South Korea and Japan as an empirical scholar whose use of extensive economic records and other primary sources has helped correct a long-distorted history of the Korean Peninsula's period as part of the Japanese Empire. While communist, nationalist, and other agenda-driven historians in South Korea have sought either to discredit South Korea as a nation by emphasizing its working relationship with Japan in the postwar, or inflame South Korean nationalism by denouncing Japan, Professor Rhee takes a non-political, positivist approach. He reads old documents, contextualizes them, and comes to conclusions which are neither nationalist nor communist--simply historical.
Professor Rhee's (and his co-authors') thesis in Anti-Japan Tribalism is, in fact, a strong refutation of nationalism in scholarship. Professor Rhee's diagnosis of his own country, South Korea's, ills as being rooted in a kind of pathological inability to tell the truth about history is shocking to readers from outside the Korean Peninsula. And yet, he makes his case methodically and with an abundance of patient, scholarly explication. I found this book fascinating, impossible to put down. Anyone interested in economic history, or just in honest scholarship free from political or national bias, will want to buy and read Anti-Japan Tribalism. Professor Rhee Young-hoon is to be commended for his commitment to historical truth, regardless of where the political winds try blowing him.
3 people found this helpful
HelpfulReport
FreeTradeTool
5.0 out of 5 stars A truly fascinating readReviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024
Verified Purchase
This monumental work that actually became a bestseller in South Korea despite its sharp criticism of the population's deep-rooted anti-Japan psyche is nothing short of fascinating. The breadth of material covered and depth of the analysis by the scholars are quite commendable as well as their courage to undertake such task given the hostile environment in their homeland for such work.
Very few books in Asia including bestsellers ever get published in English, but making this tome available to English readers should be congratulated - it is a must read for everyone with an interest in Japan-Korea relations or in modern South Korea.
5 people found this helpful
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5 people found this helpful
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Sajjad Hossain
5.0 out of 5 stars A unique and successful approach on a complex matter
Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2025
This is truly a unique book! I didn’t have much background knowledge on the book or on the subject, but I feel the book gave me deep and great insights into a highly complex matter.
In my understanding the book offered a provocative critique of anti-Japanese sentiment in South Korea. It is further challenging deeply rooted narratives spread in education, politics and media. The book further explores how nationalism has shaped Koreas politics and cultural identity, offering the reader a deep understanding of the country’s internal dynamics and historical grievance
These kinds of challenging books are important, so we can break down dominant and false narratives, as we can find in Korea. It’s an opportunity to critically review widely accepted historical accounts – in my opinion everyone should read this book!!!
2 people found this helpful
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