This study commemorates the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Association for the Historical Studies on Korean National Movement in 2024, examining the formation of the research foundation for national movement history in 1980s Korea, as well as...
This study commemorates the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Association for the Historical Studies on Korean National Movement in 2024, examining the formation of the research foundation for national movement history in 1980s Korea, as well as the significance of the society's establishment and its early activities. The 1982 controversy surrounding the distortion of Japanese history textbooks heightened public interest in the history of Japanese imperial aggression and Korean resistance during the modern period, leading to the establishment and development of institutions such as the Independence Hall of Korea and the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, which in turn catalyzed the founding of the Association for the Historical Studies on Korean National Movement.
Founded in 1984, the association has systematically deepened research on independence and national movements, becoming a vital pillar in the study of modern and contemporary Korean history. The process of naming the association and its journal reflects the academic efforts of the time to encompass not only anti-colonial independence movements but also the broader spectrum of modern national movements. Following its establishment, the association contributed to the advancement and expansion of national movement history research through activities such as academic presentations, historical text readings, conferences, and the publication of its journal.
This study highlights the pivotal role of the Association for the Historical Studies on Korean National Movement in solidifying national movement history as an independent field of study, particularly through its activities and publications that have shaped the academic identity and status of this discipline. It suggests the need for comprehensive reviews of Korean national movement history and international comparative studies to further the scholarly development of this field and to explore new research methodologies.