Seo Gap-ho’s Economic Activities in His Homeland and Media Representation in the Korean Press (1972~76)

This study explores the 1970s business activities of Seo Gap-ho, a first-generation Zainichi Korean entrepreneur who returned to South Korea, and the Korean media's portrayal of his endeavors. As the founder of Sakamoto Spinning Co. in Japan and later an active investor in Korea's textile industry, Seo was often cited as a key overseas contributor to the national economy. However, his case has received limited in-depth academic attention. In particular, Seo’s ethnic identity as a Zainichi created a subtle tension within his business activities in Korea and the Korean media's perception of them This study aims, first, to clarify the overall factual context of Seo’s business activities, revealing his persistent commitment to investing in Korea even after the devastating Yunseong Spinning factory fire. Second, it critically examines the contradictory media coverage that oscillated between extremes during the fire and following Seo’s death. While media depicted Seo as a ‘Janus-faced’ figure, this study argues that it was, in fact, the media’s own reporting patterns that were Janus-faced.