From 1910 to 1945, Japan ruled over the Korean Peninsula and tried to assimilate the Korean people into its empire. Part of this ambition was the suppression of the native language. Despite these circumstances, local authors produced insightful fictional works. We spoke to Professor Janet Poole about these writings and their reception.
The relations between South Korea, Japan and the United States are often described as triangular. The two Asian countries are in long-standing alliances with America, and all share common interests, such as North Korea’s denuclearization. Yet this North East Asian triangle is facing an uncertain future, about which we spoke with Jonathan D. Pollack.
In the past 15 years, Americans have adopted over 20.000 children from Korea. The origins of this phenomenon lie in the years after World War II and often in good intentions – yet these adoptions are also linked to various problems. We spoke to Professor Catherine Ceniza Choy about the history of America’s adoption of children from Korea.
In South Korea, child-rearing remains primarily the responsibility of mothers. They face various pressures from society – and frequently their own families – as to what children ought to do, eat, and learn. We spoke to Professor Bonnie Tilland about how women steer the childhood and aspirations of their offspring, as well as their own self-development.