The development and significance of anti-Japanism in Korean sport

Abstract

In order to contribute to an analysis of modern viewpoints regarding anti-Japanism and to heighten awareness of anti-Japanese sentiment in Korean sport, this paper examines the origins and background of anti-Japanism in Korean sport and analyses its influence on Korean sport. Anti-Japanese sentiment in Korean culture began to develop as early as the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. Anti-Japanism in Korean sport developed as a coincidence of the introduction of sport and the devastation of national sovereignty by Japan; it became fixed as a means to experience public catharsis and covert anti-Japanism. It contributed to the rapid development of sport through a sense of rivalry with Japan. Unfortunately, the Korean people’s excessive political and historical consciousness burdened athletes and encouraged political behaviours in Korea-Japan rivalries that threatened to damage the ethical aspects of sport.

Keywords:

• Anti-Japanism
• Korean sport
• sport ideology
• Korea-Japan sports rivalry