Koreans in Transnational Diasporas of the Russian Far East and Manchuria, 1895-1920: Arirang People

This book explores the presence of Koreans in the Japanese military during the Russo-Japanese War before 1910, analyzing their involvement on both the Japanese and Russian sides and the reasons for their participation. It also examines the role of the Korean folksong "Arirang" in sustaining a shared collective spirit among Koreans in transnational diasporas.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Much attention has been paid to the Japanese deployment of Koreans in their war efforts during WWII. However, much less attention has been given to the subject prior to 1910. This book aims to present the evidence that reveals the presence of Koreans in the Japanese military during the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905, as seen by an American novelist Jack London, before the formal annexation of Korea by Japan. It will also analyze the presence of Koreans on the Japanese and the Russian sides of the war and investigate why and how these Koreans became involved in someone else's war.

Arirang, a Korean folksong favored and sung by Koreans at home and in exile, has sustained the Korean people in a shared, collective spirit throughout their lives in transnational diasporas in the Russian Far East, Manchuria, and Japan as well as in Korea. This study aims to explore transnational Koreans as the Arirang people.

Chapter 1: Introduction

Koreans have been present in various regions throughout history, including the Russian Far East, Manchuria, and Japan. This chapter will provide an overview of the historical context and the significance of Koreans in these regions.

Chapter 2: Koreans in the Russian Far East and Manchuria

Koreans have a long history in the Russian Far East and Manchuria. They were first brought to these regions as laborers during the Russian colonization of the Pacific Coast in the late 19th century. Over time, they became integrated into the local communities and developed their own culture and traditions.

Chapter 3: Koreans in the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905

The Russo-Japanese War was a major conflict that took place between 1904 and 1905. It was fought between the Russian Empire and the Japanese Empire over control of the Korean Peninsula and other territories in the Pacific. During the war, Koreans were present on both the Japanese and the Russian sides.

Chapter 4: Korean Transnationals as Stateless People, 1906-1920

After the end of the Russo-Japanese War, Korea was divided into two countries: Japan and the Soviet Union. Many Koreans who had been living in the Russian Far East and Manchuria became stateless people, as they were not recognized as citizens by either Japan or the Soviet Union. They were forced to live in refugee camps or other temporary settlements, and many faced discrimination and hardship.

Chapter 5: Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has explored the presence of Koreans in the Japanese military during the Russo-Japanese War, 1904-1905, and their role as stateless people in the years following the war. It has demonstrated that Koreans have been a significant presence in the history of these regions and have played important roles in various conflicts. Arirang, a Korean folksong that has sustained the Korean people throughout their transnational diasporas, serves as a symbol of their shared identity and culture.

Weight: 440g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032001647