General Association of Korean Residents in Japan

General Association of Korean Residents in Japan
Name	General Association of Korean Residents in Japan
Native name	在日本朝鮮人総聯合会, 재일본조선인총련합회
Abbreviation	Chongryon
Formation	May 25, 1955
Founder	Han Deok-su
Type	Zainichi Korean organization
Headquarters	Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
Key people	Ho Jong-man

General Association of Korean Residents in Japan. Commonly known as Chongryon, it is one of the two primary organizations representing the Zainichi Korean community in Japan. Established in 1955, it functions as the de facto overseas arm of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), promoting its ideology and interests. The organization operates a network of schools, businesses, and cultural institutions, maintaining a distinct identity for its adherents separate from mainstream Japanese society.

History

The organization's origins trace back to the post-World War II period, following the division of Korea and the liberation of Korea from Japanese colonial rule. Many Koreans who remained in Japan formed the League of Koreans in Japan in 1945, which was later dissolved under pressure from the Allied occupation authorities. After the Korean War, the pro-North Korean faction, led by figures like Han Deok-su, formally established the General Association in 1955. Its formation coincided with heightened Cold War tensions in East Asia and the consolidation of power by Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it played a central role in channeling remittances and political support to North Korea, particularly during the period of economic crisis in the 1990s.

Organization and structure

Chongryon is organized with a central headquarters in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, overseeing prefectural and local chapters across Japan. Its leadership, including the current chairman Ho Jong-man, is closely aligned with the Workers' Party of Korea. The organization controls a vast network of affiliated entities, including the Chongryon Credit Union and various trading companies like Korea General. It also administers the Korean University in Tokyo and a system of Korean ethnic schools from elementary to high school levels, which follow a curriculum centered on DPRK pedagogy.

Political stance and activities

The organization's political stance is unequivocally supportive of the North Korean government and the Kim family leadership. It promotes the state ideology of Juche and celebrates events like the birthdays of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. Its activities include organizing political rallies, publishing newspapers such as the Choson Sinbo (Korean News), and facilitating visits to North Korea for members. Chongryon has historically been involved in campaigns against the Republic of Korea's rival organization, Mindan, and against Japanese policies it views as discriminatory, such as the Alien Registration Law and mandatory fingerprinting for foreign residents.

Relations with North Korea

Chongryon maintains an exceptionally close relationship with the DPRK government, acting as its principal representative in Japan in the absence of formal diplomatic relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang. This relationship has included organizing the repatriation of Zainichi Koreans to North Korea in the 1960s and 1970s, and facilitating financial contributions and remittances from its members. Leaders of the organization regularly meet with high-ranking North Korean officials, and its operations are believed to be directed by the United Front Department of the Workers' Party of Korea. However, its influence and financial flows have diminished due to international sanctions against North Korea and increased scrutiny from Japanese authorities.

Relations with Japan

Relations with the Japanese government have been historically strained and complex. Japanese authorities have viewed the organization with suspicion, investigating its financial institutions and affiliates for alleged links to illicit activities related to North Korea. Incidents such as the abductions of Japanese citizens by North Korean agents have further damaged its standing. Legally, Chongryon's headquarters building in Tokyo was subject to a high-profile foreclosure sale due to debts of its affiliated credit union. The organization advocates for the rights of Zainichi Koreans, including opposition to policies like the fingerprinting system, but operates in a significantly diminished capacity compared to its peak during the Showa period.

Education and cultural activities

A cornerstone of Chongryon's work is its extensive ethnic education system, comprising about 60 Korean schools across Japan, including the Korean University. These institutions teach in the Korean language and emphasize North Korean history and the achievements of its leaders. Culturally, it promotes Korean traditions through events, folk songs, and traditional wrestling. It operates cultural centers and supports artistic groups like the Korean Music Association in Japan. These activities aim to preserve a distinct Korean ethnic identity aligned with North Korea, amidst the broader Korean diaspora.

Category:Organizations based in Japan Category:North Korea–Japan relations Category:Korean diaspora in Japan