Koreans and the Japanese Occupation: The Curse of the Kim’s Daughters by Park Kyong-ni

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Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope” (Brainy Quotes). Even though a nation agonizes over its collapse, it must never lose its optimistic views for the future. Korea was a nation that was annexed, however the determination for liberation was never diminished. Korea became a colony of Japan in 1910 for its natural resources and also for its territory which had an advantageous position, geographically. Thousands of Koreans who resisted annexation were killed by the Japanese military. During these years under the Japanese rule, the Koreans suffered greatly as the men were forced into extreme labor while the women were bounded into prostitution. Although the majority of Koreans detested the Japanese occupation, they were impotent against the Japanese harsh reign. Developments in industrial activities also took place, partially encouraged by the Japanese government, overall however the country’s citizens were living in destitution. Only the Japanese government was gaining resources and wealth, while Koreans were forced into harsh labor. In 1945, Korea was liberated from this sadistic rule partially due to its continuous efforts for freedom. Many Koreans authors lived during this bleak period in history, which influenced them in their writing. Park Kyong-ni, one of the most famous novelists in Korean history, was born on October 28, 1926 in Tongyong, South Korea. Park lost her husband during the Korean War and her son passed away before her. Her work emphasized the importance human dignity (english-ohmynews.com). She was awarded the Woltan Literature Work for her work The Land. Park Kyong-ni died on May 5, 2008 while completing another novel. Yun Dong-ju, a renowned po... ... middle of paper ... ...ue to the loss of their country. Both the novel and poems expresses the viewpoint on which the authors have on the colonization of their country. Their perspective on this annexation also speaks for the majority of the Koreans living under this reign. These similar historical events occurred in many other countries, serving as an example to what avarice leads to. The desires for greater territorial expansion led to the conflict of millions. This annexation serves as a model to what ambition can lead to, and by eliminating this ideal the world can accomplish considerably more beneficial deeds.

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