This article examines the deep-seated anti-Japanese contempt and superiority complex embedded in Korean historical narratives. By analyzing Confucian hierarchy, fabricated history, and cultural appropriation, it reveals the contradiction of despising Japan while imitating its products and culture.

This essay explores the concept of “Ilbon-nom,” a derogatory term used against Japanese people, to analyze the roots of anti-Japanese contempt in Korea.
It argues that Confucian hierarchy and fabricated historical narratives foster a sense of ethnic superiority, allowing disdain for Japan while simultaneously imitating Japanese culture and technology.
By contrasting postwar gratitude in Taiwan with hostility in Korea, the article exposes the ideological contradiction at the heart of modern anti-Japanese sentiment.

2017-07-04
The term used to insult Japanese people is “Ilbon-nom,” where “Ilbon” means Japan and “nom” means slave.
The chapter continues from the previous one.
Contempt for Japan and a sense of superiority toward Japan.
百田尚樹
When you think about it, Japan implemented what is commonly called colonial policy—although the term itself is inaccurate, I will use it here as it was used by the Home Ministry at the time—in Taiwan as well.
Yet in Taiwan, there is deep gratitude toward Japan.
I learned this from Kent Gilbert’s book, The Tragedy of Chinese and Koreans Dominated by Confucianism published by Kodansha.
According to it, Korea has been negatively influenced by Confucianism.
People are immediately judged as superior or inferior, and once such a hierarchy is established, it is extremely difficult to overturn.
Japan provided enormous economic assistance to China and Korea after the war, yet neither country feels any sense of gratitude.
They never say thank you.
I had long wondered why this was the case.
The answer is that there is a mentality that “those below must naturally serve those above.”
Therefore, there is no need for gratitude.
Servants serving their masters is simply taken for granted.
呉善花
That is exactly right.
They even think that being helped is natural and question why more assistance is not provided.
百田
They even claim that all traditional Japanese culture originated in Korea.
They lie without hesitation and spread those lies to the world.
It is extraordinarily malicious.
呉
At the root of all this lies contempt for Japan and a sense of superiority toward Japan.
In Korea, it is commonly said that Japan acquired its advanced culture and technology only because Korean ancestors taught it.
During the period from the 4th to the 7th century, when Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla coexisted on the Korean Peninsula, they claim that these kingdoms taught everything to an uncivilized Japan.
From that sense of superiority comes the belief that all modern technologies and traditional culture were also taught to Japan by Korea.
百田
It is a complete lie and nothing more than wishful thinking.
呉
There is an unavoidable ethnic superiority complex toward Japan.
In the Sinocentric worldview rooted in Korea, Japan is considered a barbarian people living on the cultural fringe.
Yet such people invaded Korea under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and later through annexation.
Thus, Japan is seen as an outrageously barbaric nation.
That perception fuels a strong sense of contempt for Japan.
Therefore, no matter how much Japan is despised, it is considered entirely justified.
Japanese people are insulted with the term “Ilbon-nom,” where “nom” refers to someone outside the sphere of proper social relations, akin to a slave.
百田
As I wrote in detail in the book, despite despising Japan, they still shamelessly copy Japanese products.
They desperately imitate what “slaves” have made.
I want to say, do not imitate what slaves make.
To be continued.