NAHF Newsletter

NAHF Newsletter 2025 July Issue
  • Date 2025.07.03
  • Hit 87

영어_2025년 7월_카드뉴스

 

Reflecting on the Spirit of the Constitution ahead of Constitution Day
The Constitution is the fundamental law that defines the structure of the state and guarantees the rights and freedoms of the people.
From the 1895 Hongbeom 14 Articles to the 1919 Provisional Charter and the 1948 Constitution, Korea's constitutional journey has upheld its core values to this day.
Now in the civilian era after military rule, it is time to bring the ideals of the Constitution into reality: a nation led by its people, a society preparing for reunification, and a Constitution that suits the era of digital democracy.

The Constitution of 1948 (Copy, Source: “Constitution Story,” National Archives of Korea)

 

10 Years after Japan’s Industrial Heritage Listed by UNESCO 
In 2015, Japan's modern industrial heritage was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, based on the promise to exhibit the history of forced Korean labor. 
However, a decade later, sites like Hashima Island and Yahata Steelworks still avoid acknowledging this painful past. Explanations about forced labor are often missing or minimized. Japan must fulfill its responsibility to record and remember historical truths. Continued international attention is essential.

View of Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)

 

South Korea and Vietnam, Sharing a History of Regional Ties with China
The Northeast Asian History Foundation and the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences co-hosted an international conference on the shared history of Korea and Vietnam, with China.
Covering ancient diplomacy, borders, and modern foreign policy, the event aimed to understand and share differing historical perspectives.
Such efforts help resolve regional conflicts by deepening international understanding.

 

The Reality behind the “Modern” Governance of the Japanese Government-General of Korea
During its colonial rule, Japan conducted extensive surveys on land, population, and resources to dominate Korea. Though the data published by the Japanese Government-General of Korea was portrayed as a product of “modern governance,” in reality it served as a tool for colonial control and exploitation.
The Surveys and Statistics of the Government-General of Korea critically analyzes these records to reveal the distorted reality of colonial rule. The book has received the Wolbong Prize for its contribution to Korean social history research.

 

Understanding History through English
To enhance global communication, the NAHF runs an English discussion group and adds English subtitles to its YouTube series “History Angle (HiGLE).”
Research fellows utilize the group to discuss international issues in English and broaden their perspectives.
Adding English subtitles to videos on Korean history allows a global audience to better understand Korea’s history and current issues. Through such efforts to break language barriers, the Foundation aims to connect with a wider international community.

“History Angle (HiGLE)” English subtitles

 

Connecting Local Communities and Historical Education
The NAHF Library signed a business agreement with Seodaemun Public Library in Seoul.
The two institutions will share various contents to support public historical awareness and lifelong learning.
Their first collaboration highlights Leo Tolstoy, using historical content to provide background on the Russo-Japanese War and deepen understanding of his works. The two libraries will continue to co-develop educational and exhibition programs to connect history with the local communities.

Video still from “NAHF Academy” jointly hosted by Seodaemun Public Library and the NAHF