Japanese Extortion and the Korean Food and Nutritional Status During Japanese Occupation of Korea

The loss of Korean sovereignty to Japan in 1910 was an unforgettable national humiliation for Korea, having maintained its sovereignty for 5000 years. The process of Korea’s annexation by Japan is reviewed and its consequences for the food and nutritional status of Koreans are analyzed by using records in Korea as well as overseas. Records of the colonial Government-General of Joseon show superficial figures distorting the actual life of Koreans during that time. Japan extorted 45% of rice and 44% of soybeans produced in Korea in 1933 and imported poor quality long-grain rice (Indica type) to partly replace extorted rice. The food and nutritional situation of Koreans was miserable; hunger and malnutrition were prevalent in the country for 36 years. One result was that the height of most Koreans declined in relation to the Japanese, who historically were called “little people” (Oein) in Korea.