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Published Date: November 10, 2009

Korean historians have published a biographical dictionary bearing the names of alleged “collaborators” with colonial Japan including former Prime Minister Chang Myun, who is named for serving as a director of a Catholic group that regularly visited Japanese shrines.

Such visits were regarded as highly pro-Japanese in Korea, the Korea Herald reports.

The list, which names 4,389 people whom the historians say collaborated with colonial Japan, has drawn a fierce backlash from the relatives of those listed.

It took eight years for the Institute for Research in Collaborationist Activities to release the three-volume dictionary amid much controversy over the purge of history.

Names on the list include former President Park Chung-hee, former Vice President Kim Sung-soo, former Prime Minister Chang Myun and even figures known for their anti-Japan resistance, such as journalist Jang Ji-yeon.

Families of Park Chung-hee, Jang Ji-yeon, pro-Japan artist Chang Woo-sung and prosecutor Um Sang-seop had filed for an injunction to prohibit the publication, which was turned down by the court earlier this month.

They are now considering suing the research institute for libel.

Ironically, the new publication also includes the names of 20 meritorious persons previously accredited for their contribution towards Korea’s independence, the Korea Herald says.

A pro-Japan collaborator is defined as anyone who cooperated when Japan annexed Korea, aided colonial rule, fought in imperial wars or cracked down on the independence movement.

SOURCE

List of Japan collaborators draws backlash (Korea Herald)

Korea under Japanese rule (Wikipedia)

LINKS

Chang Myon (Wikipedia)

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