Voices of the Marginalized: Victims’ Perspectives on Agonistic Reconciliation and Power Disparity

Abstract This study examines how victims of political violence in 1950s South Korea approach agonistic reconciliation, focusing on three key concepts: the plurality of narratives, inclusive institutions, and relational changes. Based on the testimonials of 13 victims, it reveals that participants perceive the process of establishing historical truth as political contestation and seek to create a space where different narratives can coexist. They express hope for institutions where victim groups involved in violent incidents can present their views respectfully, grounded in a relatively equal power balance. Importantly, they approach relational change as something to be worked out with the state or ‘history’ rather than with individual perpetrators. The study contributes to theoretical discussions on agonistic reconciliation by emphasizing how power disparities shape interactions between social groups. It also suggests that the perspectives of Korean victims may offer a valuable model of reconciliation, particularly in contexts marked by historical friction or violence.