창가학회의 국내 유입과 재일한국인의 관계성 연구

Abstract

In today's Korean society, where the religious population is declining and the younger generation continues to abstain from religion, there is a religion that claims to have a whopping 1.5 million followers. That religion is KSGI, a new religious movement originating from Japan. KSGI stands for Korea Soka Gakkai International, or "overseas branch" of the Japanese Soka Gakkai. Previous research suggests that there are 18 religious denominations originating from Japan. However, research conducted since 2016 has confirmed that nearly all of these denominations have declined or disappeared from Korean society. In contrast, KSGI has maintained and expanded its influence, continuing its active presence in Korean society to this day. Then, the question arises: why is KSGI the only one to maintain its influence in Korean society? It is likely that its followers have long believed in its doctrines and engaged in religious activities because of its inherent religious appeal. Furthermore, the unique persistence of KSGI in Korea today suggests that some direction and influence existed during its initial introduction. The presence of Koreans in Japan during this period cannot be overlooked, as it was through their early missionary activities that the religious organization was introduced to and disseminated in Korea. Therefore, this study focuses on the early introduction and spread of KSGI, seeking to understand how a religion from Japan was able to take root in Korea and how a religious organization was formed. Specifically, this study aims to elucidate the process by focusing on the period when KSGI first arrived in Korea. Furthermore, it will examine the relationships between Koreans living in Japan, who appear to have played a significant role in the religious order's introduction.