국제법상 한국의 법적 지위와 관련된 제 문제

Various Issues relating to the Legal Status of Korea in International Law –Focusing on the Identity of Korean Empire, Republic of Korea and Unified Korea–

Legal status of Korea is the underpinning issue relating to current critical problems and their solutions Korea is facing in the field of international law. Starting point of this issue is the relationship between Korean Empire and Republic of Korea. It contradicts with existing position of Korea if it assumes that there is no identity between them. Legal status of Korea is the basic question with regard to Korea’s position on San Francisco Peace Treaty with Japan, Dokdo issue, interpretation of Article 2 in the Treaty on Basic Relations between the Republic of Korea and Japan, and legal status of unified Korea. Nevertheless it is fallacy to understand the argument when Republic of Korea is established as starting point of legal personality of Korea. In history of international law, Korea has existed long time before. So the debate when Republic of Korea is established, should be understood as a debate when is the starting point of democratic constitutionalism in Korea.