Forceful Integration: Japanese Authoritarianism and Korean Resistance

초록

The record of millions of mantra-meditation trainees during Japan’s heyday of occupation shows the significance of the idea of cosmic change spread among former Tonghak followers in the early part of Korea’s 20th century. The teachings propagated by the Gurigol Meditation Club were especially attractive to those Korean farmers of North Jeolla Province who suffered most from Japan’s exorbitant rice extraction program. Their unique vision for eternal peace and beliefs in eventual liberation from Japan’s occupation can be an explanation as to why once the most revolutionary people of the same region ironically appeared compliant to the exploitative economic policy of Japan in Korea.