December 12, 2005 

The History of Korea provides a review of Korea's history from a Korean perspective, beginning from its roots in Neolithic civilization and the tradition and evolution of nation building in the traditional East Asian world system, through Korea's global setting in modern times. A timeline is followed by chapters on early history, Korean identity, medieval Korea, Korean tradition and modernization, and Japanese dominion. A biographical section highlighting famous figures in Korea, a glossary of selected terms, and a bibliographical essay are also included. The author of the book, Djun Kil Kim, used the opportunity afforded by this VOICES program to sketch the broad outlines of his perspective noting that his primary objective in the book is to present Korea not as subservient to its two powerful neighbors, Japan and China, but rather as an independent player determining its own destiny. Kim is currently teaching and conducting research at Myongji University in Seoul. The passion he brings to his subject is deeply rooted in the more than two decades he spent as a Korean government official working on media and cultural affairs as well as international public diplomacy.