Three Ideological Foundations of Basketball in Korea: Evangelism, Modernization, and Nationalism (1904-1945)

Abstract

Basketball's introduction and rise in Korea during the Japanese colonial period (1904-1945) had societal impact and shaped national identity. While baseball and volleyball were introduced earlier, basketball rapidly gained popularity through the efforts of the YMCA, which saw sports as both a missionary tool and a means of physical and moral development. Basketball became a key medium for evangelism, attracting young Koreans and fostering the growth of Protestantism. Simultaneously, it emerged as a symbol of modernization, offering both men and women access to structured physical activity in a society traditionally shaped by Confucian values. Beyond its religious and cultural dimensions, basketball also played a critical role in Korea's nationalist movement. As Korean teams competed against Japanese teams - both in domestic tournaments and international competitions such as the 1936 Berlin Olympics - basketball courts became symbolic battlegrounds for colonial resistance. The sport's widespread adoption led to the formation of local and national leagues, further solidifying its place in Korean society. Through complex interplay between religion, imperialism, and modernization, basketball evolved into a cultural and political force that shaped Korea's sporting landscape and national consciousness under colonial rule.