A FRACTURED LIBERATION

What came before the Korean War.

In South Korea’s turbulent history, the three-year occupation by U.S. forces after 1945 stands out. Japan had brutally colonized Korea for nearly 50 years, stripping the country of resources. Chang, a historian of Korean background, notes that little was known about Korea in the West. The U.S. government was unsure about what to do with it after the Japanese surrender but was keenly aware that northern Korea had been occupied by Soviet forces, and stopping them from advancing further became the key rationale for U.S. involvement. The American commander of the occupation forces, a tough military man by the name of John Hodge, did his best to balance the competing demands but was under pressure from all sides. Chang sees Hodge’s reestablishment of the brutal, corrupt colonial police as a crucial error. Syngman Rhee emerged as the most powerful Korean politician, but Chang does not see him as an American puppet. In fact, it often seemed that it was Rhee who manipulated the Americans. Hodge hoped that the 1948 elections, which Rhee won, would provide an exit strategy for the Americans, but the Soviet threat remained, and so did U.S. forces. Chang draws on a range of records to piece the story together but often seems to be speaking with the wisdom of hindsight. Could different and better decisions have been made? Undoubtedly. But looking back after 70 years is far easier than making decisions on the ground, as Hodge had to. Nevertheless, the book fills a historical gap and will be useful to readers with an interest in Asian history and geopolitics.

Shining a valuable light on a little-known but important piece of history.