The Eulsa Year of the last century was a humiliation for our people. A journalist for the Catholic Peace Weekly reminds the readers of some memories that bring sadness to Korea. In 1905, we lost our diplomatic rights through the Eulsa Treaty. In 1965, there was only a 500 million dollar grant and loan with no direct compensation for the victims through the Korea-Japan Claims Settlement Agreement.
Resentment still remains. When the journalist was studying abroad, a Japanese friend told him over drinks that the compensation issue was “just a diplomatic relationship between Korea and Japan” and that “the distribution of compensation should have been the concern of the Korean government.” Seeing that even ordinary Japanese people accepted this was painful.
This year, the first Eulsa Year of the 21st century, there was no diplomatic humiliation, but the trauma from the short-lived martial law of last year is still a concern. The fear that democracy could almost be trampled by military boots does not easily go away. Economic shocks such as a stock market crash and a sharp rise in the exchange rate are lurking. Many are complaining of mental concerns, fearing chaos will strike again.
Nevertheless, people do not give up hope. The people who have risen without fail amid the pain of history have once again taken to the streets. Last month, we could feel the warmth and outstanding civic consciousness on the streets before the National Assembly in Seoul. Thousands of cups of coffee were given away for free, and hot packs were distributed everywhere. Even at the protest site, they maintained order and calm.
This year is a jubilee year. Pope Francis declared the jubilee on December 24, emphasizing that “even in a dark world, hope is not dead, but alive.” Our history also proves there is light at the end of dark times. The journalist prays that this year will be one in which we overcome despair, share hope, and care for one another.
