If what I've heard is true, that Koreans hate the Japanese, then why are they trying to become like them?

Question

Although I didn't mean in all aspects that the Koreans are trying to become like the Japanese. I mean there are some aspects of the Korean society that are emulating the Japanese culture.

The world knows that South Korea is the online gaming capital of the world. But if you'll look at their online games, almost all of them follow Japanese Anime style art. Also, Korean Anime has already appeared and we all know that Anime is from the Japanese. And to my surprise I've seen some Korean restaurants here in the Philippines which serve, as the restaurants themselves call it, "Korean Sushi".

So what does this all mean? Do they really hate the Japanese or not?

@killy

I don't know the answer, that's why I'm ASKING. I don't know much abou the issue between the Japanese and Koreans that's why I'm asking to get more information. Also you seem offended by my question but let me assure you I don't mean to insult anyone.

@killy

Oh and I forgot to mention, your example is flawed. Because we Filipinos were also victims of heinous Japanese crimes during WWII, but we somehow do not have a grudge against them. But I've heard that the Koreans still do, and so I'm asking if its true and if so, why? Like I said, I don't mean to offend anyone.

Answer 1

Here is a sample conversation between Korean and Japanese students:

Koreans: Dokdo is ours!
Japanese: Huh, wha? What are you talking about? Shall we go to Takasima this weekend?

Koreans: You are evil for forcing our grandmothers into pleasure battalions during WWII!
Japanese: Huh? Does my hair have enough gel to get the right spiky look?

Koreans: I am taking my ball and going home! I don't want to play with you any more!
Japanese: You guys make really cool dramas. Thanks.

I have attended the Language school at both Yonsei and Kyung Hee. Most of the Japanese students are clueless about their history. Most of the Korean 20 somethings I deal with at work are just as clueless. (They claim that the DPRK is not a threat and the major roadblock to reunification is the US.)
There may be some residual hostility among the older generation, but the younger generation of both nations seem too self absorbed to have time to worry about it.

Answer 2

First, yes, many Koreans strongly dislike the Japanese because of years of oppressive rule and forced colonization. This doesn't mean every Korean hates the Japanese and the feelings are apparently dying down. As an American I cannot fully understand or appreciate the situation, I'm going on what my Korean friends and boss have told me and what I've read.

As for the cultural bleed, the Japanese occupied and ruled South Korea for a long time, so in spite of the negative feelings certain aspects of Japanese culture did take hold.

"Korean Sushi" is called gim-bap and means "seaweed rice". Gim-bap is usually pickled radish, carrot, ham and sometimes egg wrapped in rice and seaweed. There are also other types of gim-bap. However gim-bap generally does not have raw fish in it and if it does have fish it's usually tuna (cham-chee}. Korea also has a sashimi type food called bwhae (my own rough transliteration). This has nothing to do with Japan. Like Japan, Korea is heavily reliant on seafood so it only makes sense that they would have a form of raw fish.

A lot of American games look like Japanese anime. And, again, whatever the personal feelings about Japan the two countries are very closely connected, both historically and geographically.

Korean wave culture (hallyu) is quit popular in Japan and other Asian countries. Korean television dramas, pop singers and actors are wildly popular in Japan, so the cultural trade works both ways.

Here's an interesting article from Wikipedia which explains Hallyu and it's influence in the asian world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_wave

Answer 3

I think Ayron Yin represents how most of the younger generation feels about Japan. I'm a foreigner so I'm not qualified to give a Korean's thoughts but my conversations with Korean university students about Japanese people has yielded much of Yin's statements. The younger people who do hate the Japanese are mainly those who have acquired the hate from their parents.

In terms of emulating the Japanese, I see some of that in Korea especially in fashion. Other Asian countries have tried to become like Japan in various manners because Japan is still the richest Asian country ---- for now.

I really like your question.

Answer 4

All cultures adopt bits of others. Its not a matter of liking or not liking. MacDonalds and Starbucks are everywhere. So are pizzas and gelatos. And we get TV programs from everywhere. There is traditional rivalry between Korea and Japan due to the war. But many cultures emulate anyway. There is california sushi too :)
I'm sure many korean people like japanese people

Answer 5

good question. I always get asked this by many people. I am a Korean with a family who doesn't really like the Japanese. My brother and I are like the only ones who are like total fans of Japanese. What they can achieve and make is amazing. i mean come on all that great anime they made such as Bleach, Naruto, DeathNote, Inuyasha? My family is old fashioned i have to admit and they don't hate the japanese they just don't like them that much and have strong korean pride. Its just that the Japanese kicked our butts in the war but we reclaimed our country later. I am not exactly angry because what is done is done and its a survival of the fitist isn't it? And Korea is back in our hands anyway so theres no reason to mad anymore or hate the whole country itself. Just be mad at the people who killed our people in the past. But Japan did have a big impact on Korea so im not surprised that some ways are being followed and just as the same Japan is following some Korean ways too. most korean friends i have, has at least one negative comment about the japanese such as they are really perverted or something or don't care at all. so my answer to your question is Not all koreans hate the japanese but there is still lots of tension

Answer 6

I'm not sure about that, As I'm Korean I would rather say we are not following Japanese culture but we do accept the Japanese culture, In Philippines we have many Korean restaurant but we do serve sushi which is originally from Japan but we do have sushi in here too. Following Japanese culture and hating Japan is way different. In case of economy, society sources, and also history, we do hate Japan and In case of culture, we do approve and respect to Japan, but you know what?? we do have many traditional cultures too.

Answer 7

I dont know what should i answer.
But your question is very great!
Korean hate Japanese, but try to become like Japanese...pity korean

Dont have japanese products in S. Korea.
My korean friends dont know japanese brand even thought they are pupular, a lot of ppl around the world known, but korean never heard this brand.

Answer 8

Yawn your asking a question to bunch of American citizens, here let me answer your question as im a full blooded korean and i do reside in South Korea, YES most koreans hate japanese people, the tension is extremely high but not as high as it use to be.. If you were a japanese male wearing a shirt that said japan pride or something you will probably get ur *** beat.. No joke.

Answer 9

i dont think so. ^^
my parents both came from different worlds. haha.
i mean, they both have different nationalities.
dad is a chinese-korean while mom is filipino-japanese.

my cousins seem to like each other. same as for my family. my REALLY BIG family.
although, they always argue about who's the better one, the chinese, th filipinos, the koreans, or the japanese. haha.

Answer 10

English and french hate each other. look at English word you are using that contains a lot of french words. Do you get what I am saying? why do people understand when I am using example of western countries??? but no understand when they think of eastern countries. you are asian so, you should get rid of that western standarded mind especially when you are pilipino which invaded by western culture for so long and don't have your own cultures. what country do pilipino hate historically??? probably, spain because spain colonised your country? i don't think you don't know the answer before you ask. you just need to think more to realise.