According to Google: “Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response to being held captive. People with Stockholm syndrome form a psychological connection with the captors and begin sympathizing with them”
My adopted father was undoubtedly affected by Stockholm syndrome in relationship to Japanese invasion of Korean, and then some. He held a deep reverence for power, flawlessness, and precision - traits that Japan embodied to him completely.
I am confident my adoptive father had a fondness for Korea, much in the same manner he felt toward my grandfather(his father). My grandpa was immensely kind and was too good for this world. My grandfather's trust was betrayed and all of his fortunes were taken away by selfish acquaintances. My adoptive father deeply loved him yet at the same time felt embarrassed and shamed about his father's naivety and “weakness.”
He would often remark, “Japanese are like mud – they stick together and thus become very strong and potent. Koreans on the contrary, act independently for their own interests and eventually fall apart leaving no power to achieve anything of value as a nation… like sand”
My father was wrong, to say the least!
Since my departure from Korea in 1975, the nation has transcended its Third World status as if it had never been part of her identity. Despite enduring 35 grueling years of cultural sabotage, robbery, and plundering of artwork, resources, and lives; torture inflicted on citizens; attempts to annihilate culture; and a split country through false Chinese leadership - with all of that… look at us now!
Although there is still more work to be done for South Korea to heal from its past, the country looks as though it has not endured anything due to how she appears and functions. Not only is her material wealth rising but so too are creative arts, and also the wisdom aspects - all of which I am immensely proud of since she is my motherland. Visiting soon will definitely be a must!
- Nancy