아시아･태평양 전쟁기 식민지 조선의 도회 연구- 1938∼43년 경상남도회 회의록을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This article analyzes how the Dohoe (Province Council) was transformed by corresponding to various policies executed by Japanese Imperialism in Colonial Korea during the Asia-Pacific War in order to mobilize Koreans in the war solely for the realization of Naeseon ilche (Japan and Korea as one body) under the name of domination. The research specifically focuses on the case of the Gyeongsangnam dohoe, its election, composition and the nature of Dohoe. In particular, the research observes scholastically the progress and deliberation of the council through the minutes of the Gyeongsangnam dohoe recorded from 1938 to 1943. The result of the analysis is as follows. Firstly, no considerable changes took place in the Dohoe election and composition. In terms of the election method, the election was carried out in a solemn atmosphere throughout the period researched and, yet, the “free election” was maintained. The distinctive competitive composition between Koreans and Japanese in popular elections persisted and Koreans held a dominant position in the overall Dohoe structure. Secondly, there were remarkable changes made in the progress of the Dohoe. The council schedule was drastically reduced, members of the Dohoe sent telegrams of "gratitude" to commanding officers in recognition of their "services" in the war. On the home front, they confirmed their determination to win the battle. Also, the progress of the council was changed from "open inquiry" to "sortilege inquiry" and "restricted inquiry." Thirdly, significant changes took place in the deliberation of the Dohoe. From 1939, policies that promoted people and physical mobilization were reflected in main projects and essential items of the annual expenditure budget, whereas since 1942 there was a drastic increase in the estimated budget. On the other hand, the number of propositions that represented the stance of residents sharply decreased. As a result, during the Asia-Pacific War, the color of the Dohoe gradually faded away in local politics as members and authorities often confronted each other or compromised to resolve problems that were closely related to the life of local people. The realization of Naeseon ilche, the domination objective of Japanese Imperialism, seemed to make progress on the surface. However, in fact, the suffering and grievances of residents who were pushed to the war by the Japanese weakened the support bedrock of Japanese Imperialism.