Manipulating Traditional Korean Confucianism: The Impact of Japanese Colonial Rule and Its Aftermath

Confucian values are widely recognized as integral to traditional Korean culture. However, some aspects of this culture were significantly altered during Japanese colonial rule. This study explored how Japanese colonial policies reshaped Korean Confucianism and their lasting impacts on contemporary practices. It employed a historical analysis of colonial regulations, newspaper articles, and primary historical documents. This approach helped to trace the changes in Confucian practices and ideologies during and after the colonial period. The study found that Japanese authorities utilized Confucian values, such as loyalty and filial piety, to promote assimilation into the imperial state, redirecting these concepts toward the Japanese emperor and government. Efforts to democratize Confucianism included repurposing traditional sites for non-traditional uses, which were parts of a broader strategy to embed imperial ideology in Korean society. Despite Korea’s liberation, some aspects of this altered Confucianism continued to influence Korean politics and society. Understanding the transformation of Korean Confucianism during the colonial era is crucial for grasping the evolution of contemporary Confucian practices in Korea. This study provides insight into the origins and motivations behind cultural practices that are often misinterpreted as “traditional”.