In 1905, following its victory in the Russo-Japanese War, Japan established Korea as a protectorate through the signing of the Eulsa Treaty (often referred to as the Japan–Korea Protectorate Treaty). This move marked a significant step in Japan’s imperial expansion and solidified its growing dominance in East Asia.
The treaty stripped Korea of its sovereignty in foreign affairs and placed its diplomatic functions under Japanese control. Ito Hirobumi, one of Japan’s most prominent statesmen, was appointed as the first Resident-General of Korea, overseeing its administration. The agreement was secured under heavy Japanese pressure and without the consent of the Korean emperor, Gojong, leading to widespread resentment among Koreans.
This protectorate status paved the way for the eventual annexation of Korea by Japan in 1910, signifying a crucial moment in Japan’s rise as an imperial power and a turning point in the history of Korean-Japanese relations.