Japan had long coveted control over Korea, as it was seen as a stepping stone that gave Japan access to the rest of Asia. Following the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1876, which was the first of several unequal treaties that made Korea vulnerable to Japanese influence, the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905 made Korea a protectorate of Japan. Korea was then annexed to Japan after the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1910. The Korean independence movement started in the early 20th century and was sustained throughout Japanese rule. The March 1st Movement of 1919 had a far-reaching impact, initiating nationwide marches and demonstrations. The oppression intensified as Japan made Korea its supply base for the Sino-Japanese War in 1937 and the Pacific War in 1941. Korean language and names were suppressed from 1938 and Koreans were mobilised to serve on the front lines as soldiers and labourers. Many atrocities were committed by Japan, including sexual slavery, forced labour and human experimentation, before and during World War II. Korean independence was finally achieved on August 15th, 1945, after Japan surrendered to Allied forces and with the help of the existing independence movement.
Korean painting, since the late 1920s, endeavoured to create a unique Korean style and also looked to Western painting for inspiration. The first modern archaeological excavations carried out in Korea was under Japanese rule. The interpretation of the past was used to justify Japanese rule of Korea. Many important objects of Korean heritage were also destroyed or looted and taken to Japan during this period.
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