Under The Black Umbrella Summary

Under the Black Umbrella focuses on Japan and their rule of Korea. It gives personal encounters the Koreans had with the Japanese. Under the Black Umbrella unveils the hidden truth of a forgotten issue: Korea and the effects imperialism. Many of the stories told can be categorized into three sections, the conformists, the resistors and the passive aggressive.

Kang Pyôngju tells the story of his grandfather, a leader of a village in Korea. His grandfather lived in what he describes as an era where “earthquakes rocked the country. The modern world knocked, pounded, and battered its way into our consciousness.” (Kang, pg. 233) His grandfather opened this door and while doing so found change standing in in front of him. He was one of the first

to become Christian even enforcing it on his own people. He gave his daughter-in-law a name which was never done before and registered her in the books. He sent his only son to a western-style school. Later sending him to study Western medicine in order to become a doctor, rather than teaching him agriculture.( Kang, Chapter 1 pg 231- 289)
Pyônju's grandfather was bluntly accepting of the new coming of knowledge and technology and had his arms wide open to the change. However, his intentions and motivations could simply be because he benefited from conforming. By conforming, he was allowing his eldest and only son to pursue an education in which he could strive and succeed in. It also allowed for a target to be lifted off his back. Because of his high title, his grandfather was not attacked or persecuted, allowing him to see only the good of the Japanese. While, many others would see the Japanese as a dark presence who dismantled the Korean tradition and order, some elites saw it as the chance to remain at the top. Imperialism allowed his grandfather to spread his own personal views on his people as well as spread the Japanese ideology. His grandfather maybe just wanted a breakaway from the same old routine from the everyday life of a Korean. Regardless, he broke the traditional Korean ideals by embracing imperialism and modernity. He was also not fully aware of the capabilities and the effects that the Japanese would later have on Korea, his grandfather only saw the superficial layer.
The Japanese surveillanced the Koreans through a microscope constantly checking to make sure Koreans were conforming. Many did not revolt due to the fear of the consequences, while others could not bear to sit around and watch idly. The Japanese forced their traditions, history and education on the Koreans, fueling Korean resentment. The goal of the Japanese was to teach Koreans about Japan’s history and language in order to erase their identity. By doing this enforced learning they hoped to replace Korean traditions and replace it with the Japanese traditions. If they taught the language to the children, those children would end up knowing only Japanese, upsetting the order in Korea. Taking away someone’s identity allows imperialists to effectively keep their power.
Yi Hajôn was a student during the rule of the Japanese.

He was intrigued by the martyr Cho Ahn, and that was the start of his movement. The history of Korea was washed away by the Japanese, so finding books about Korea were hard to come by. Yi gathered several of his classmates to find books and learn about their motherland. The only way they were allowed to gather was in the name of a bible study. However, they eventually got caught. The discovery of their organization led to the members being arrested. They had the truth beat out of them and were imprisoned. He was forced into the military effort, working for a factory, as well as forced to join in Japanese customs. When released, a red line marked his record indicating that he had been in prison causing no one to want to hire him. After the liberation of Korea, he moved down South to escape from the communists who had been contacting him to restore Korea. (Chapter 8 1572-

1779)
Yi was one of the several students across Korea who decided that their voice was going to be heard.

Many formed groups that advocated independence for Korea. Students were watched diligently because education meant knowledge and awareness of injustice. Martyrs were the ultimate sacrificers, many dying in prison. To resist meant to denounce the Japanese, creating a target on not only the resistors back but their family. Yi was a warrior in the sense that he persevered through the consequences of his actions. In terms of motivation, he craved to save Korea from the hands of imperialism. He did not easily give up which is a trait that is admirable. To love one’s country as deeply as Yi is patriotic.

Others resisted silently, drawing no attention to their protests. Yan Sôngdôk lived near a seaport, home to many Japanese. Korean tradition was to wear white clothing, but that was not well liked by the Japanese. The Korean children childishly protested the Japanese sometimes by throwing “chicken dropping onto their laundry” (Kang pg. 1799). As Yan grew up, he found other ways to resist and that was through music. (Kang, Chapter 9, pages

1780-1805)
Music plays an important role in the resisting. It helps preserve tradition and has been used as a tool to remember and protest all throughout history. Music acts a history book, as well as helps people gather and share ideas. The motivation that fueled Yan was just as great as anyone else's, while he did less aggressive tactics to protest, he did what he considered appropriate. His form of resistance was less aggressive but just as effective.
Overall, if I faced the same crisis as the Koreans, I would not want to conform. However, knowing the consequences of resisting, would probably lower the chance of rioting and protesting. The likelihood that I would actively participate in the movement towards freeing Korea would be miniscule. I would be more of a passive aggressive resistor. I could not allow my family to be persecuted because of my own actions, but also I could not watch my country go up in flames. I am strongly passionate about human rights and freedom, therefore if I were in the same situation I would like to be someone that stood up for what I believed. I wish to be as strong as Yi, and follow my heart to do the right thing.
Under the Black Umbrella focuses on Japan and their rule of Korea. It gives insight on the reaction of Koreans and imperialism. Throughout the book the people can be divided into three categories, those who resisted, confirmed and were passive aggressive. Depending on what you chose to be, would guarantee you a good life or a bad life. Imperialism and modernity were not fair to all and this book shines light on that issue.