Summary of "The Korean Empire" Episode from In Our Time

In This Episode:
Hosted by Melvyn Bragg, In Our Time delves into the brief yet transformative period of the Korean Empire (1897-1910). Featuring experts Holly Stevens, Derek Kramer, and Nuri Kim, the episode explores Korea's struggle for sovereignty, modernization efforts, internal turmoil, and the eventual downfall leading to Japanese colonization.

1. Introduction to the Korean Empire

Melvyn Bragg sets the stage by highlighting Korea's declaration of empire in October 1897, a strategic move by the Yi dynasty to assert independence amidst mounting pressures from global powers seeking trade or colonization opportunities. Despite its short 13-year existence, the Korean Empire was a period marked by significant modernization and conflict with enduring repercussions for the region.

2. The Yi Dynasty's Rule and Strategy for Autonomy

Nuri Kim explains that Korea was under the Yi dynasty's rule for approximately 500 years, showcasing remarkable resilience against foreign invasions, including threats from Japan and the Manchus. This longevity underscored the dynasty's adeptness at maintaining sovereignty through diplomatic skill and strategic flattery, particularly in dealings with the dominant Chinese empire.

"They did so by sending a lot of tributary missions to China, sometimes even more missions than the Chinese even expected." [03:24]

These tributary missions involved sending numerous delegates with valuable tributes to reinforce Korea's image as a loyal vassal, thereby securing a degree of autonomy despite China's overarching influence.

3. External Pressures: China, Japan, and Western Powers

Holly Stevens discusses the limited interest from Europe and America in Korea until the mid-19th century. Initially, Korea adeptly deflected Western advances by emphasizing its economic limitations and redirecting foreign powers to engage with China instead. However, incidents like the execution of a French missionary and the destruction of an American trading ship in the mid-1800s marked a shift toward more aggressive Western approaches.

4. Korea’s Reluctant Opening to Japan

The transition begins with Emperor Gojong's reign, who, upon taking full control in 1873, adopts a more moderate stance toward foreign engagement. This change is partly a response to witnessing other nations' fates under foreign influence. When Japan arrives in 1875, Korea, now cautiously prepared, begins the gradual opening of its ports, mirroring America's earlier engagement with Japan.

"There is a growing consensus among at least some Korean and Chinese officials that contact with Western nations is inevitable to some extent." [07:03]

5. Modernization Efforts in Korea: Government Reforms and Infrastructure

Derek Kramer outlines Korea's multifaceted modernization initiatives, which included:

• Reconstruction of Gyeongbok Palace: Funded by issuing new currency, leading to inflationary pressures.
• Modern Military Development: Establishing a modern military unit with new uniforms, tactics, and training post-Konghwa Treaty (1876).
• Infrastructure Projects: Introduction of telegraph communications, electrification of palaces, and the construction of trams and streetcars in Seoul.
• Economic Shifts: The influx of manufactured goods disrupted traditional rural economies, leading to significant social and economic upheaval.

These reforms aimed to centralize state power and adapt to global standards, albeit straining Korea’s agrarian economy.

6. Political Turmoil and Internal Conflicts

Between 1880 and 1897, Korea faced significant internal strife:

• Radical Reform Attempts (1884): Early unsuccessful uprisings by young reformers lacked sufficient support, highlighting societal unpreparedness for drastic changes.
• Tonghak Rebellion (1894): A major uprising sparked by millenarian and religious movements, leading to Chinese and Japanese intervention and the ensuing Sino-Japanese War.

Nuri Kim emphasizes the complexity of these conflicts, noting:

"There was a tremendous amount of turmoil. For instance, in 1884, there was this attempt to overthrow the government by radical reformers." [12:47]

7. Gojong's Declaration of the Korean Empire

In 1897, King Gojong proclaimed himself Emperor, symbolizing Korea's sovereignty and parity with neighboring empires. This act was a definitive break from the traditional vassal relationship with China, marked by symbolic gestures such as adopting yellow robes typically reserved for Chinese emperors.

"So this is an act of, in a way, defiance against the Chinese, because previously it was only the Chinese emperor who was able to communicate with Heaven directly and consider himself the Son of Heaven. But now the Korean king is making the same claim." [17:48]

This move also coincided with significant governmental reforms, establishing a "modern system of government" aimed at strengthening national autonomy.

8. Economic Challenges in Funding Modernization

Holly Stevens discusses the financial strains of modernization:

• Agrarian Economy Limitations: While Korea had stable finances suitable for famine relief, large-scale modernization was economically taxing.
• Revenue Generation Efforts: Initiatives included land surveys to increase tax registers and customs receipts from burgeoning trade. However, these were insufficient and often hampered by unfavorable treaty terms.
• Foreign Loans: Reliant on Chinese and Japanese loans, which inevitably increased foreign influence and political leverage over Korea.

"Other sources of income also come with problems. So Korea can get loans, and it does get loans chiefly from China and Japan... as Japan does try to leverage more of its interest in Korean politics." [20:54]

9. Social and Cultural Changes: Forced Haircuts and Resistance

One of the emblematic modernization efforts was the 1895 decree by Gojong requiring Korean males to cut their traditional long hair, symbolizing modernity and efficiency but clashing with Confucian values.

Holly Stevens describes the societal backlash:

"Some people commit suicide, either males or wives, on behalf of their husbands for the shame of having to cut their hair." [28:31]

Initially met with strong resistance, over time, societal norms shifted, especially in urban areas, where shorter hair became a voluntary and encouraged sign of modernity.

10. Impact of the Russo-Japanese War and Japan’s Ascendancy

The Russo-Japanese War (1904-1905) had profound effects on Korea:

• Consolidation of Japanese Power: Japan emerged victorious, establishing a protectorate over Korea in 1905, severely undermining Korean sovereignty.
• Economic and Infrastructural Advancements: Japan built railroads and other infrastructure but used these developments to cement control.
• Assassination of Queen Min: Japan’s assassination of the Korean queen led King Gojong to seek refuge in the Russian legation, further entangling Korea in international power struggles.

"As the war concludes, the Japanese begin to slow walk annexation, or a series of policies geared towards eventual annexation." [29:57]

11. The End of the Korean Empire and Japanese Colonization

By 1905, with Korea under Japanese protectorate status, resistance emerged in the form of "righteous armies" fighting against Japanese forces and discontented Korean officials. The official end of the Korean Empire came in 1910 with full annexation by Japan, but signs of this demise were evident as early as 1905.

Nuri Kim notes:

"Korea can no longer represent itself diplomatically to the outside world... righteous armies... rise up against Japanese." [31:20]

12. Legacy and Historical Interpretations in Modern Korea

Post-annexation, Korean nationalism persisted, primarily among diaspora communities, shaping the eventual division into North and South Korea. The Korean Empire’s legacy is viewed divergently:

• North Korea: Sees the empire as a failed experiment, emphasizing armed resistance and underlining the establishment of a separate communist state.
• South Korea: Regards the era with a nuanced perspective, recognizing the struggles for modernization and sovereignty while integrating reforms into the narrative of national development.

Nuri Kim elaborates:

"There seems to be the emergence of this kind of more sympathetic view of this Korean monarch as this almost like tragic hero." [42:33]

Holly Stevens adds that contemporary scholarship appreciates the period’s complexities, acknowledging both the failings in maintaining sovereignty and the enduring socio-cultural transformations initiated during the empire.

Notable Quotes

• Nuri Kim on Korea’s diplomatic strategy:

  "They sent a lot of tributary missions to China, sometimes even more missions than the Chinese even expected." [03:24]

• Holly Stevens on societal resistance to forced haircuts:

  "Some people commit suicide... for the shame of having to cut their hair." [28:31]

• Nuri Kim on Emperor Gojong’s symbolic actions:

  "He was very much using the more traditional Chinese symbolisms to assert his own imperial power." [17:48]

• Derek Kramer on the extent of political and social upheaval:

  "What you encounter today pales in comparison to the tumult that individuals living in the early 20th century experienced." [43:34]

Conclusion

The Korean Empire period was a crucible of transformation, where Korea endeavored to modernize and assert its sovereignty amidst external imperialistic pressures and internal strife. While ultimately succumbing to Japanese colonization, the era laid foundational elements for Korea's modern national identity and socio-political structures, influencing its subsequent division and development into North and South Korea.

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the "The Korean Empire" episode of In Our Time, providing a comprehensive overview for those unfamiliar with the original podcast.