The
Japan–Korea Treaty of 1910, also known as the
Japan–Korea Annexation Treaty, was made by representatives of the
Empire of Japan and the
Korean Empire in 1910. Negotiations were concluded on August 20, 1910. The document was signed on August 22, 1910.
The treaty was proclaimed to the public (and became effective) on August 29, officially starting the
period of Japanese rule in Korea. The
treaty had eight articles, the first being: "His Majesty the Emperor of Korea makes the complete and permanent cession to His Majesty the
Emperor of Japan of all rights of sovereignty over the whole of Korea."
In modern Korea, the treaty is also commonly called "
Hanil Hapbang Neugyak (한일 합방 늑약)," which simply means a coerced (and hence invalid) treaty ("
neugyak") of Korea's annexation to Japan. The event itself is also called "
Gyeongsul Gukchi (경술국치 庚戌國恥)," which means "the humiliation of the nation in 1910." The day it happened, August 29, is remembered today as "
Gukchi-il (국치일)," that is, "the day of national shame."
Legality
The legality of the Treaty was disputed by the exiled
Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea as well as the modern
Republic of Korea; a...
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