History is created and interpreted. History is a combination of choice, viewpoint, and narrative. History should explain differences and developments until the present, and the narration of past events and changes should converge to the present point of concern. Empathy for the other is not easy, because the winner and loser, the attacker and victim have contrasting memories of the same events or developments. We have to discuss and compare historical narratives systematically. While collecting a greater number of concrete data, we have to be able to take a critical position and look at our history from the perspective of other countries.

Recently in Korea, the curriculum is undergoing reform based on serious consideration of the contents and direction of history education. The History of East Asia course was created in high school education curriculum, the title “National history” was removed in middle and high school, and government-designated textbooks gave way to government-authorized ones. These changes in Korea should constitute an important turning point for Northeast Asia peace and stability. History should be taught not only to understand the past but also to construct a desirable future. Historical events and facts in Northeast Asia have historical value only when they bear desirable fruit for the future of Northeast Asia.