Examples of Distortions

Japan: “The Yi Dynasty became a tributary state of Ming…….” (High School, Detailed World History, Yamakawa Publishers, 1994.)

China: “In 1948, the Republic of Korea was established in the southern part of the Joseon Peninsula.” (Junior High School, World Geography (1), 1993.)

Comment

 The correct name of a country should always be used as the name symbolizes the country, and this holds true for both names used in the past as well as a name used in the present.   The correct use of past names recognizes the country’s history and legitimacy.  In this light, the use of the term “Yi Dynasty” to refer to the dynasty during the Joseon Kingdom should be corrected. 

The term “Yi Dynasty” was used by Japanese colonial scholars to deny the legitimacy of Joseon and rationalize their colonial rule.  It is true that there are also some Koreans who use the incorrect term “Yi Dynasty” without an understanding of the motive behind the creation of the term.  It is necessary, therefore, to correct the misuse of the term among Koreans as well as by foreigners in their scholarship on Korea.