The early propagation of Konkokyo in Korea and internal conflicts : the official document from the Japanese Resident-General in Korea titled ‘Miscellaneous File on Religious Matters’ as a clue

Key Points

• The aim is to explore the early propagation of Konkokyo in Korea and understand the internal conflicts it faced.
• Analyzed the official document titled ‘Miscellaneous File on Religious Matters’ from the Japanese Resident-General in Korea.
• Investigated the initial propagation dynamics by individual missionaries and their conflicts with the Resident-General.
• Assessed the impact of the Meiji government's policies on Konkokyo's growth in Korea.
• Konkokyo's propagation faced governmental suppression due to negative perceptions and internal discord.
• The reading of 'Musinji' was utilized as a strategy to cope with internal strife and enhance the church's image to stakeholders.
• Initial propagation coincided with efforts to stabilize as a distinct religious entity, highlighting its growth amidst challenges.