21세기 위기상황과 한일 양국 시민들의 연대

Abstract

The relationship between Korea and Japan has been characterized by constant fluctuations and instability. To guide these relations towards a positive long-term trajectory, it is imperative to adopt a broader perspective that transcends the fragmented narratives of modern and contemporary history. This paper argues for a structural and historical approach that encompasses global and regional dimensions while incorporating civilian-level initiatives separate from government actions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of a balanced macroscopic view that spans the past, present, and future, as well as a ‘re-enactment,’ an epistemological method of re-experienceing or re-composing other's experience in one’ imagination that transcends spatial and temporal categories. The paper employs a so-called “multiple mirrors” perspective to grasp the constantly evolving daily and historical world. The study begins by surveying the “historical transitions” and “decisive scenes” over 500 years of world and regional history, providing insights into how the relationship became one-sidedly tilted and distorted. It then analyzes the post-war origins of these distortions and the underlying “uncomfortable truths,” examining the San Francisco Peace Treaty, Japan's loss of responsibility, and the intermingling of perpetrator and victim memories. The paper proceeds to discuss the nature of the “huge complex crisis” unfolding globally in the 21st century, the three directions confronting East Asia today, and the essence of developing crisis management capabilities during this historical transition period. Finally, the paper explores the direction for civic education, emphasizing the need for citizens to squarely face the past, pursue consciousness shifts towards reflective attitudes that foster mutual exchange, cooperation, forgiveness, reconciliation, mutual respect, and trust, and accumulate solidarity among residents, regardless of government stances. The study concludes by underscoring the urgency of choosing a sustainable future amidst the inevitability of political and economic crises that may tempt leaders to exploit the other side for their own ends.