Reviews
Dong-a, perfect for viewing history
Why must we properly understand East Asian history? The reason we must make this effort lies in the significance of the *Manifesto of East Asian Historiography*. The Korean Peninsula has experienced every historical turning point right in its midst. The field of *East Asian Historiography* may still be unfamiliar, and regarding certain events and situations, it can be an uncomfortable world that one wishes to ignore or not know about. However, it is necessary to confront such uncomfortable
Despite possessing a glorious history, we suffered the humiliation of colonial rule because we failed to properly respond to the changing world a century ago. While the primary reason may be attributed to the dynasty's lack of capacity to respond to foreign invasion, a broader perspective suggests a failure to grasp the overall situation regarding how the world operated and the circumstances of neighboring countries. From our perspective, Imperial Japan was an invasion, but at the time, we
There is no need to seek a single interpretation of historical events. This is because historical events are like three-dimensional paintings, allowing for as many multiple interpretations as possible. It is no different from a painting that looks like a duck when viewed from the left and a rabbit when viewed from the right, or a photograph that looks like Marilyn Monroe from a distance but Einstein up close. Therefore, a three-dimensional lens is necessary when viewing historical examples.
Professor Kang Sang-kyu’s *Manifesto of East Asian Historiography*, published by Episteme, divides the period into four eras—the late 19th century (from the Opium War to just before the Sino-Japanese War), the first half of the 20th century (from the Sino-Japanese War to the end of the Asia-Pacific War), the second half of the 20th century (from Japan’s defeat to the end of the Cold War), and the early 21st century (from the post-Cold War era to the present)—and interprets the history of East
From what perspective should we view history? Since opinions vary from person to person, I believe it is extremely dangerous to claim that only one viewpoint is correct. History viewed through a conservative lens holds significance, and history explained from a progressive standpoint also possesses meanings that must be clearly recognized. In this regard, *A Manifesto of East Asian Historiography* by Professor Kang Sang-kyu—a professor in the Department of Japanese Studies at Korea National
'East Asia.' The eastern part of the Asian continent. East Asia, the region to which we belong. Until now, we have tended to view history by distinguishing it into our history, Chinese history, and Japanese history, but the introduction to this book was impressive. East Asia has shared the same civilization, cultural foundations, and common values for a long time. However, the perspectives and viewpoints of each country regarding modern history are in sharp conflict. It is unfolding as a civil
I read “A Manifesto of East Asian Historiography” (by Kang Sang-kyu, *Episteme*). The author, Professor Kang Sang-kyu, is currently a professor in the Department of Japanese Studies at Korea National Open University and is known to be a researcher interested in new interpretations of East Asian history. The standards and paradigms for viewing ‘history’ are extremely important. However, these standards and paradigms are not immutable but tend to change over time. In fact, the standards and
An academic history book that is easy to read from start to finish. Although the content is difficult, it is a friendly book that is easy to read through.
How was the history of East Asia, where we live our lives—particularly the modern East Asia that shaped the present—formed? As we border China and Japan, we experience a complex mix of love and hate. While the history with Japan goes without saying, China's economic growth has entailed changes in our perception of China and the Chinese people we frequently encounter. Conversely, there seems to be little animosity toward distant Europeans. However, our hatred toward the Chinese is now surpassing
Kang Sang-gyu: Declaration of East Asian History
East Asia has shared the same civilization, cultural foundations, and common values for a long time. However, the perspectives and viewpoints of each country regarding modern history are in sharp conflict. It is unfolding as a civil or international war over memory. Why has this happened? Is there no solution? To examine these issues, one must, above all, move beyond short-sighted thinking. One must be able to grasp the overall picture by viewing the history of the world and East Asia alongside one's own national history. Instead of fixating one's gaze solely on the fragmented puzzle pieces of modern and contemporary history, one needs the insight to simultaneously survey the big picture. This book divides modern East Asia into four periods: the late 19th century (from the Opium War to just before the Sino-Japanese War), the first half of the 20th century (from the Sino-Japanese War to the end of the Asia-Pacific War), the second half of the 20th century (from Japan's defeat to the end of the Cold War), and the early 21st century (from the post-Cold War era to the present). Through the concepts of "multiple mirrors" and "vicarious experience," it critically and with a balanced perspective savors the zeitgeist that permeates modern East Asian history. The purpose is to explore a ‘sustainable future’ by newly capturing the context of the modern transition period in East Asia, during which paradigms shifted rapidly, thereby gaining a richer understanding of the turbulent journey of the ‘past’ etched into East Asia and the ‘present’ standing upon it.
Korean title: 동아시아 역사학 선언
Korean author: 강상규
Korean publisher: 에피스테메
ISBN-13: 9788920041822
Reviews
Dong-a, perfect for viewing history
Why must we properly understand East Asian history? The reason we must make this effort lies in the significance of the *Manifesto of East Asian Historiography*. The Korean Peninsula has experienced every historical turning point right in its midst. The field of *East Asian Historiography* may still be unfamiliar, and regarding certain events and situations, it can be an uncomfortable world that one wishes to ignore or not know about. However, it is necessary to confront such uncomfortable
Despite possessing a glorious history, we suffered the humiliation of colonial rule because we failed to properly respond to the changing world a century ago. While the primary reason may be attributed to the dynasty's lack of capacity to respond to foreign invasion, a broader perspective suggests a failure to grasp the overall situation regarding how the world operated and the circumstances of neighboring countries. From our perspective, Imperial Japan was an invasion, but at the time, we
There is no need to seek a single interpretation of historical events. This is because historical events are like three-dimensional paintings, allowing for as many multiple interpretations as possible. It is no different from a painting that looks like a duck when viewed from the left and a rabbit when viewed from the right, or a photograph that looks like Marilyn Monroe from a distance but Einstein up close. Therefore, a three-dimensional lens is necessary when viewing historical examples.
Professor Kang Sang-kyu’s *Manifesto of East Asian Historiography*, published by Episteme, divides the period into four eras—the late 19th century (from the Opium War to just before the Sino-Japanese War), the first half of the 20th century (from the Sino-Japanese War to the end of the Asia-Pacific War), the second half of the 20th century (from Japan’s defeat to the end of the Cold War), and the early 21st century (from the post-Cold War era to the present)—and interprets the history of East
From what perspective should we view history? Since opinions vary from person to person, I believe it is extremely dangerous to claim that only one viewpoint is correct. History viewed through a conservative lens holds significance, and history explained from a progressive standpoint also possesses meanings that must be clearly recognized. In this regard, *A Manifesto of East Asian Historiography* by Professor Kang Sang-kyu—a professor in the Department of Japanese Studies at Korea National
'East Asia.' The eastern part of the Asian continent. East Asia, the region to which we belong. Until now, we have tended to view history by distinguishing it into our history, Chinese history, and Japanese history, but the introduction to this book was impressive. East Asia has shared the same civilization, cultural foundations, and common values for a long time. However, the perspectives and viewpoints of each country regarding modern history are in sharp conflict. It is unfolding as a civil
I read “A Manifesto of East Asian Historiography” (by Kang Sang-kyu, *Episteme*). The author, Professor Kang Sang-kyu, is currently a professor in the Department of Japanese Studies at Korea National Open University and is known to be a researcher interested in new interpretations of East Asian history. The standards and paradigms for viewing ‘history’ are extremely important. However, these standards and paradigms are not immutable but tend to change over time. In fact, the standards and
An academic history book that is easy to read from start to finish. Although the content is difficult, it is a friendly book that is easy to read through.
How was the history of East Asia, where we live our lives—particularly the modern East Asia that shaped the present—formed? As we border China and Japan, we experience a complex mix of love and hate. While the history with Japan goes without saying, China's economic growth has entailed changes in our perception of China and the Chinese people we frequently encounter. Conversely, there seems to be little animosity toward distant Europeans. However, our hatred toward the Chinese is now surpassing
