This year marks the 80th anniversary of Korean independence and the 60th anniversary of the Korea-Japan Normalization Treaty. However, conflicts over historical issues stemming from the colonial period between the two countries persist. Notably, since Japan nominated the Meiji Industrial Heritage Sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List in 2015, the issue of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period has emerged as a major point of contention. Most recently, the inclusion of the Sado Island Gold Mines—where many Korean laborers were subjected to forced labor—on the World Heritage List has further strained bilateral relations and raised questions about how history is interpreted at these heritage sites.

This presentation examines how Japan's recent nominations for UNESCO World Heritage status have become sources of conflict and seeks to explore ways to address and reconcile the legacies of colonial rule. The discussion will also invite participants to share their perspectives on potential paths toward resolution and reconciliation.

Harvard University Asia Center Seminar Series co-sponsored by the Korea Institute and the Reischauer Institute for Japanese Studies.