Tag: Korea

Han Woo-Keun’s—The History of Korea

This is a comprehensive study beginning about 30 000 years ago with the paleolithic age through to 1960 when Korea’s first president, Rhee, had to step down after public demonstrations. The author included the ancient tribes to the ancient Silla era, then detailed the rulers during the Koguryo, Paekche and Silla dynasties. The final dynasty, the Yi Dynasty, sometimes referred to as the Josean Dynasty ended when the last king mysteriously died during Japanese occupation.

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Juhea Kim’s—Beasts of the little land *****

In 1919 Pyongyang, Jade is sold to Madam Silver who will train her as a courtesan. But when Madam Silver’s daughter, Luna is raped, she sends Luna, Lotus, and Jade to her cousin, Dani in Seoul to hide Luna’s pregnancy. Aunt Dani continues their training while JungHo heads south to Seoul in search of a better life after his father’s death. Under Japanese occupation, underground movements form in the hope of gaining independence.

This novel takes place over fifty years following the lives of these characters and Korea’s struggle to break free from Japan’s strangling grip.

Mary Lynn Bracht’s — White Chrysanthemum *****

In 1943 Hana, a haenyeo rushes from Jeju Island’s sea to save her younger sister, Emi from capture by Japanese soldiers. In her place, Hana is kidnapped and sent on a long journey north to become a comfort woman. But before she arrives at the northern brothel to service Japanese soldiers she is raped by her captor, Morimoto.

This is a well written but a difficult read because the story is based on what happened to from 50 000 to 200 000 Korean women during WW11.