What the Korean people endured during that time is heartbreaking. They had their language tossed out, their names changed, their culture robbed, their women raped, and their lands and historical treasures pillaged. Many brave Koreans stood up against the Japanese and lost their lives fighting for freedom.
If you don't know much about this part of history, I encourage you to look it up. It's chilling. I think most Americans are well versed on the atrocities of the German Nazis, but know little of the comparable horrors the Japanese committed in the East.
Also unlike post WWII Europe, forgiveness hasn't yet come to the East as apologies have yet to be offered by the Japanese. It's a bone of contention big enough to choke Clifford the Big Red Dog.
Plus, there's that pesky Dokdo business.
Dokdo is basically a rock in the ocean that Japan still today claims rights to based primarily on its colonial take over of Korea. Tensions continue to be very high. Over a rock. In the ocean.
But it's a symbolic rock and very important to Korea. Basically, instead of an apology, Japan continues to rub salt in the wound while flashing a big fat "Fuck You."
Alas, like any Independence Day where the people have genuine liberty and economic freedom, the day isn't spent contemplating history and our place in it while mapping out a free and prosperous future for generations to come.
It's not even spent plotting and planning the take over of a small rock island in the ocean.
No, no. It's spent eating and DRINKING!! Of course!!
A lot of drinking. In some cases, too much. Way, way too much.
No shame in that, though. Not here in Korea, anyway. The soju runs clear and cheap and smooth. Well, maybe not that smooth.
It's goes well with BBQ. And that's got "Independence Day" written all over it.
Lastly, in celebration of all things Asian, I give you this series of über adorable photos entitled "Three Year Old Uses Chopsticks Better Than You."
You're welcome.
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