Nationality of Koreans During Japanese Rule
Were Koreans Japanese nationals? — The contradiction between legal status and discrimination
After the 1910 annexation, Koreans became legally 'subjects of Japan.' However, they did not enjoy equal rights with mainland Japanese. They were classified as 'naichijin' (mainland) and 'gaichijin' (outer territory) under the family register law and faced discrimination in suffrage and freedom of movement.
Some in Japan argue that because Koreans held Japanese nationality, it was 'domestic governance' rather than 'colonial rule.' They also argue that wartime labor mobilization was a 'duty as nationals.'
Korea counters that nationality was imposed without voluntary consent and that in practice it was discriminatory rule over a subjugated people. The gap between formal nationality and actual rights is the crux of this debate.
This issue is directly connected to modern Korea-Japan issues including forced labor compensation, legal status of Zainichi Koreans, and postwar reparations.
Key Timeline
1910: Annexation — Japanese nationality imposed on Koreans
1911: Joseon Education Ordinance — different education system from mainland
1938: National Mobilization Law — "national duty" applied to Koreans
1939-1945: Forced labor/conscription — national duty or forced mobilization?
1945: Liberation — loss of Japanese nationality, legal status confusion for Zainichi Koreans
1952: San Francisco Treaty — Zainichi Koreans reclassified as foreigners