The Continuity of Statehood and Peoplehood in Modern Korea: Discursive Practices of the Republic of Korea on the Genealogy of Its Citizenry
One may say that a state ceases to exist if it is annexed by another state. But what if the annexation is regarded as unlawful? In the world of norm, the annexed state may be recognized as existent despite its inability to exercise sovereignty, as the annexation is null and void. If the foreign rule comes to an end, the once annexed state may assert its identity and continuity with the state before annexation. In so doing, it would make its citizenship law in a way that underscores the continuity of peoplehood. Estonia and Latvia carried out this project in radical ways even to the point of making a large percentage of residents stateless by turning the clock of law back to a point more than half a century before. The Republic of Korea’s position vis-à-vis Japan is comparable notwithstanding weaker international recognition. This study examines major discursive practices of the Republic of Korea in asserting its identity and continuity with the pre-annexation Korean state with reference to the genealogical explanation of its citizenry. It shows the commitment of the Republic of Korea to its integrity of statehood penetrating its executive and judicial practices with all gaps in its discourse.