South Korean educational groups are expressing concern over Japan’s recent announcement on the test results for elementary school textbooks. The results have weakened the compulsory description of wartime conscription of those from the Korean Peninsula and strengthened Japan’s territorial claim over Dokdo. The National Association of City and Road Education Superintendents, the Federation of Korean Teachers’ Associations, and the National Teachers Union have issued statements expressing their regret and demanding correction. They have also called for Japan to withdraw its territorial claim on Dokdo and clarify the compulsory conscription of those from the Korean Peninsula. The Federation of Teachers’ Unions has also urged Japan to teach its own history truthfully, reflect on it, and never repeat atrocities again.
[Seoul Yonhap News]South Korean educational groups are concerned about the Japanese government’s announcement of the test results of elementary school textbooks that weakened the compulsory description of the wartime conscription of those from the Korean Peninsula and strengthened the territorial claim over Dokdo. On the 30th, expressed regret and asked for correction.
A civic group holds a rally in front of the Japanese consulate in Busan on the 30th (Yonhap News)
The National Association of City and Road Education Superintendents issued a statement on the same day, stating, “We can’t help but feel indignation at Japan’s distortion of history, and we strongly demand that it be corrected immediately.”
He also insisted that the territorial claim to Dokdo should be withdrawn and that the compulsory conscription of those from the Korean Peninsula should be clarified.
The Federation of Korean Teachers’ Associations also called for the withdrawal of the test results, arguing that “historical distortion throws cold water on Korea-Japan cooperative relations for the prosperity of Northeast Asia.”
“Japan mobilizes the means of the state, equates the interests of the extreme right with national interests, and denies history without hesitation,” said the National Teachers Union. Also, while arguing that Japan’s distortion of history is a matter of diplomacy between nations, he said, “What is the (South Korean) government, which is responsible for managing the nation, doing? ,” he emphasized.
The Federation of Teachers’ Unions also issued a statement the day before, urging them to make corrections, saying, “Japan must teach its own history as it is, reflect on it, and never commit atrocities again.”
The controversy over Japan’s distortion of history continues to cause concern and indignation among South Korean educational groups. The recent announcement of test results for elementary school textbooks has further strengthened Japan’s territorial claim over Dokdo and weakened the compulsory description of the wartime conscription of those from the Korean Peninsula. The National Association of City and Road Education Superintendents, the Federation of Korean Teachers’ Associations, the National Teachers Union, and the Federation of Teachers’ Unions have all called for corrections to be made. As this issue remains unresolved, it poses a challenge to the relationship between South Korea and Japan. It is important to acknowledge and reflect on historical facts and to move forward with genuine cooperation for the prosperity of Northeast Asia.