User blog comment:AegisIsKing/A Change of Plans/@comment-4097945-20151009192316/@comment-24318364-20151010010405

I do admit that Japan had to go through a lot during the 19th and 20th centuries, especially during the Great Depression which forced them to colonize most of east/southeast Asia. Not to mention the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I guess they're not much different from Koreans, who too, had to suffer and recover from extensive economic and political losses, and I commend them for becoming a powerful country in spite of that.

I do, however, criticize their approach to their problems. Whereas Korea faced its problems entirely by itself, industrializing based on its colonization, Japan simply turned it towards neighboring countries. Around when the Meiji Restoration took place, the Japanese were very unpleased by the government's actions, which led to politicians blaming Koreans; this would eventually cause them to invade and occupy Korea.

This might be, as you said, a dilemma. The UK and US both got away with colonization and slavery (although they do admit and apologize for doing so), yet Japan is under politcal attack partly for being on the wrong side of the war. And maybe, just as Japan is blinded by guilt, we Koreans are just as blinded by hatred. My hope is that one day, we could lend a hand to Japan, while they would cleanly admit and make up for their past deeds.

Anyway, I appreciate that you read and wrote such a deep and even enlightening comment. I'll do my best to reflect this part of history.

Aegis is the King! (Talk or Blog) 01:04, October 10, 2015 (UTC)

Btw, your signature is awesome.