In today's Korean society, where the religious population is declining and the younger generation continues to abstain from religion, there is a religion that claims to have a whopping 1.5 million followers. That religion is KSGI, a new religious movement originating from Japan. KSGI stands for Korea Soka Gakkai International, or "overseas branch" of the Japanese Soka Gakkai. Previous research suggests that there are 18 religious denominations originating from Japan. However, research conducted since 2016 has confirmed that nearly all of these denominations have declined or disappeared from Korean society. In contrast, KSGI has maintained and expanded its influence, continuing its active presence in Korean society to this day.
Then, the question arises: why is KSGI the only one to maintain its influence in Korean society? It is likely that its followers have long believed in its doctrines and engaged in religious activities because of its inherent religious appeal. Furthermore, the unique persistence of KSGI in Korea today suggests that some direction and influence existed during its initial introduction. The presence of Koreans in Japan during this period cannot be overlooked, as it was through their early missionary activities that the religious organization was introduced to and disseminated in Korea. Therefore, this study focuses on the early introduction and spread of KSGI, seeking to understand how a religion from Japan was able to take root in Korea and how a religious organization was formed. Specifically, this study aims to elucidate the process by focusing on the period when KSGI first arrived in Korea. Furthermore, it will examine the relationships between Koreans living in Japan, who appear to have played a significant role in the religious order's introduction.
동북아시아문화학회 [The Association of North-east Asian Cultures]
설립연도
2000
분야
복합학>학제간연구
소개
동북아시아 문화의 다양성과 정체성을 연구 토론하고, 지역내 문화 교류의 다양한 모습을 연구하고 문화변동의 큰 틀을 집적함으로써 우리 민족 문화 및 상대 민족의 문화적 터전을 이해하여 문화공동체적 특성을 계발하고 상호 관련성의 강화를 유도하는 학술활동을 통해 동북아시아의 문화발전에 이바지함.