Comparative Analysis of the Understanding of the Dangun Myth between South and North Koreas - Focusing on Shin Seok-ho and Li Ji-rin

This study aimed to investigate how South Korea and North Korea have interpreted the Myth of Dangun since their national liberation, with a focus on Shin Seok-ho and Li Ji-rin, who were active during the Japanese colonial period. Understanding the Myth of Dangun involves recognizing the founder of Gojoseon and the timing of the establishment of the first state in Korean history. Shin Seok-ho worked at Joseonsa Pyeonsuhoe, which was under the control of the Japanese Government-General of Korea during the colonial period. Following national liberation, he continued his career at the National History Compilation Committee, which succeeded Joseonsa Pyeonsuhoe. His mentor, Ryu Imanishi, was a colonial historian who argued that Dangun had no connection to the Korean people. He refuted the existence of Dangun on the following basis. First, the story surrounding him was mythical and not based on actual historical events. Additionally, Ryu Imanishi criticized the traditional founding year of Gojoseon (2333 BC), asserting that it lacked historical foundation. Second, he suggested that the Myth of Dangun was a creative narrative fabricated during the reign of King Chungyeol of the Goryeo Dynasty, categorically dismissing Dangun as entirely fictitious. Shin Seok-ho further developed Ryu Imanishi’s arguments by establishing a systematic approach. He implemented a framework in which the historical perspectives endorsed by the Japanese Government-General of Korea were validated and institutionalized through the National History Compilation Committee. These perspectives were subsequently propagated by university professors, solidifying a particular historical narrative. In North Korea, the primary goal was to counteract colonial interpretations of history. Li Ji-rin pursued his studies at Peking University under the mentorship of Gu Jiegang, a leader in the Gu-shi-bian movement focused on ancient history. Gu Jiegang's research centered on 'Gojoseon'. He was concerned about Li Ji-rin's assertion that three provinces in Northeast China belonged to Gojoseon, as historical narratives validate a regime's sovereignty and legitimacy. During that era, two theories about the origin of Gojoseon existed: the Liaodong Theory and the Pyongyang Theory. Due to Li Ji-rin's research, the Liaodong Theory fell out of favor. Li Ji-rin argued that the ruler of Gojoseon was ‘Dangun’, and he believed the Myth of Dangun accurately reflected the spirit of the times. Today, in North Korea, the Myth of Gojoseon is upheld as a credible account detailing the establishment and evolution of Korea's first state, addressing racial, historical, and geographical aspects.