Nazi leader Richard Foerster passionately preached Hitler’s teachings to Korean schoolchildren and gifted them signed photos of Hitler as they gave him a “Heil Hitler” salute on a train to Seoul (May 11, 1939)

In May 1939, Imperial authorities selected 29 of the best and brightest elementary schoolchildren from across Korea and “rewarded” them with a religious field trip to Ise Grand Shrine in central Japan. On their return trip on May 11, 1939, the children were placed aboard the same train as a Nazi German press delegation traveling from Busan to Seoul. It is during this trip that prominent Nazi diplomat Richard Foerster (1879-1952) interacted with the Korean schoolchildren in a friendly question-and-answer session. They boarded the train in Busan at 6:50 a.m., and arrived in Seoul at 1:35 p.m. with brief stops in Daegu and Daejeon. The exchange was reported in the May 12, 1939 issue of Keijo Nippo, the major colonial propaganda newspaper in Korea which sponsored this field trip.

During this trip, Foerster is in his element as he skillfully delivers Nazi propaganda so that his messaging is tailored to his particular audience of Korean elementary schoolchildren who were brainwashed in Imperialist ideology and State Shintoism. Foerster compares German reverence for Hitler and the Nazi state to the children’s reverence for Ise Grand Shrine, praises Hitler’s teachings of “justice, conviction, and unity,” and tells the children that Germany’s youth are being trained to defeat Bolshevism, communism, and other “enemies of mankind.” Foerster grapples with one of the children in a judo match, pretends to be overpowered, and praises Japan for possessing such strong “young citizens.” The meeting concludes with a group “Heil Hitler” salute which is led by the top student in the group.

The Nazi delegation continued through a packed schedule of official visits, luncheons, receptions, and banquets in Seoul before leaving for Manchuria the following day, May 12, 1939.

Even among the 29 students, there was a pecking order, and the eight students named in the articles were apparently considered the elites in this group. It is notable that seven of the eight students named in the article hail from present-day North Korea. Among these elites, one student stands out as the top leader: Hwang Yong-gyeom, whose name appears the most times in the recorded exchanges. He is the one who has the “honor” of leading his fellow students in making a group Heil Hitler salute.

The photos show: Foerster greeting the child representatives during the brief stop at Daejeon Station around 11:03 a.m.; 13 members of the German press delegation descending the steps of Chōsen Shrine; the Korean schoolchildren’s shrine-visit group after reporting their Ise Shrine visit at Chōsen Shrine; and a higher-resolution image of Foerster from a press event during the same trip in Japan or Korea.

[Translation]

Gyeongseong Ilbo (Keijo Nippo), May 12, 1939

The Spirit of Korean Elementary Schoolchildren Shown to the Delegation
Friendly Exchange in the Train

On May 11th, the group of elementary school representatives from throughout Korea, who were traveling to visit the Imperial Shrines and happened to be riding the Akatsuki train together with the German newspaper delegation, visited the delegation in the train in Busan and offered words of welcome filled with the love and respect of Japan’s young citizens.

The members of the delegation were delighted. Immediately, cheers and applause broke out like a storm. Delegation leader Richard Foerster tightly clasped the hand of Song Gi-taek (송기택, 宋基澤) of Sariwon Shikishima Elementary School, who had delivered the words of welcome, and with his face breaking into a broad smile, Foerster said:

“The impression I have just received is truly the first impression that our delegation has received since coming to Korea. Moreover, the impression received from these spirited and splendid second-class citizens of Korea will become one of the greatest impressions of our entire journey, and I believe that I will never forget it for the rest of my life. And toward Japan, which possesses such splendid young citizens as you, I once again express my profound respect.”

The dignified appearance of the children, small though they were, yet conscious of their responsibility as representatives, completely satisfied the delegation. Each member gripped their hands one after another with large hands, placed them on their knees, patted their heads, and repeatedly said, “Splendid, splendid!”

Thus, inside the international express train cutting through the light rain, a rare flower of Japanese-German friendship blossomed, leaving a deep and powerful impression not only on the German newspaper delegation, but also on our group of children who visited the Imperial Shrines.

In addition, as a token of gratitude to the representatives of all Korean elementary schoolchildren, the delegation leader signed a message addressed to all elementary schoolchildren, also signed two photographs of Führer Hitler, and presented them to the representative children together with a box of fruit.

The Korean Children Have a Spirit of Imperial Subjecthood Joined to the Nazi Soul
A Roundtable Exchange in the Train Between the German Newspaper Delegation and the Group of Schoolchildren
Words of Welcome Delivered on Behalf of All Korean Elementary Schoolchildren
The Delegation Is Deeply Impressed by Pure Yet Sharp Questions

On May 11th, the group of Korean elementary schoolchildren returning to Seoul on the same Akatsuki train visited the German newspaper delegation, which was also on its way to Seoul aboard the Akatsuki. After delivering words of welcome on behalf of 800,000 elementary schoolchildren throughout Korea, they gathered around Delegation Leader Foerster and held a roundtable discussion titled “Asking About Germany.”

After all, these were outstanding children selected from throughout Korea. Each question, while innocent, contained sharp observations about the developments in the world and Germany’s advance. Delegation Leader Foerster answered while exchanging glances with the assembled delegation members, not treating even a single word carelessly.

The first-rate German newspapermen, who had come from turbulent Europe and prided themselves on their strong nerves, scratched their heads and said, “This is too much for us. We are no match for them.” They focused their astonishment and interest on the children’s earnest questioning. Afterward, a splendid basket of fresh fruit was presented by the delegation leader to the children.

The following is the question-and-answer exchange.

What Are Führer Hitler’s Teachings for Young Citizens?
Justice, Conviction, and Unity

Hwang Yong-gyeom (Manwol School, Kaesong, Gyeonggi Province): We visited the Ise Grand Shrine, the sacred place of our country, and returned filled with extraordinary gratitude and great resolve. So first, there is something I would like to ask. In Germany, too, is there a sacred place like the Ise Grand Shrine, which serves as the center of the national spirit?

Foerster: Of course there is. There certainly is. In Munich now, a temple is being built that gives form to the spirit of His Excellency Führer Hitler. Just as the Grand Shrine, which you visited, receives the reverence of all of you, this is something to which the entire German people offer the same respect toward Führer Hitler and the German state. Within this spirit of reverence is contained the sound spirit of the German people, who are striving forward in the construction of Greater Germany.

The will of the German people, who fight as enemies those who obstruct Germany’s advance and seek to disturb the true peace of the world, burns forth from this feeling of reverence toward this temple that symbolizes Führer Hitler’s conviction.

Choi Seong-guk (최성국, 崔成國) (Wakatake School, Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province): We respect His Excellency Hitler in our daily lives. I sincerely think that his strong will and courage, which is not surprised by anything, are magnificent. I would like to know how Germany’s young citizens are usually taught by His Excellency the Führer.

Foerster: You have asked a fine question. I myself very much wanted to speak to you about that. His Excellency Hitler values justice, conviction, and unity. Therefore, toward the young citizens who will bear the future of Germany, he teaches that they should always unite as one and proceed toward what they believe to be right, possess a strong patriotic spirit that can advance resolutely without flinching in the slightest, and become a great people who will smash, for the sake of the world, everything that obstructs Germany’s advance, such as Bolshevism and communism.

That is just the same as how you are usually taught to become loyal and good Japanese subjects. For a growing nation, the cultivation of its second-class citizens is of great importance. A tenacious, iron-like, strong and firm will: that is the teaching constantly given by His Excellency Führer Hitler to German elementary schoolchildren. I think that this teaching may be incorporated as it is into your daily lives as well.

Now, let me ask you a question. With what state of mind do you study?

Hwang Yong-gyeom: There is something called the Imperial Subjects’ Oath, and we study based on it. We are constantly filled with the conviction that we must discipline our spirit and body, possess the great resolve that we are subjects of the Great Japanese Empire, and devote our loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor.

Foerster: Yes, that must be so. Your dignified attitude is precisely something created by the spirit of that oath.

“You Spirited Boys Are the True Image of Korea”
The Delegation Leader and Hwang Yong-gyeom Hold a Judo Match

Jo Nam-cheol (조남철, 曹南喆) (Hinode School, Iri, North Jeolla Province): What did you feel when you first saw the scenery and customs of Korea?

Foerster: That is a slightly difficult question. Actually, a Korean gentleman came to me a short while ago and asked the same question. Since I had only just boarded this train and had not seen Korea at all, I answered that I had no particular impressions to offer.

But now it is different. I have spoken with you like this and received words of welcome for which I cannot thank you enough. Moreover, seeing your spirited appearance, I have received a great impression. I cannot help but feel great wonder toward the soil of Korea, which has produced such splendid elementary schoolchildren. You have truly come to show our delegation the real image of Korea. Thank you.

Oh Dae-hwan (오대환, 吳大煥) (Saiwaichō School, Haeju, Hwanghae Province): How do German elementary schoolchildren usually study?

Foerster: As I said earlier, they study throughout their lives under the teachings of Führer Hitler in order to cultivate unity, love for the fatherland, and conviction in advancing toward justice. Possessing a sound spirit and a sound body: that is the foremost duty imposed on elementary schoolchildren.

Hwang Yong-gyeom: What do they do in order to cultivate sound bodies?

Foerster: Well, they play sports. Swimming, soccer, volleyball, German swordsmanship, things like that. What do you do?

Hwang Yong-gyeom: We also play sports.

Foerster: Do you not do judo?

Song Gi-taek (송기택, 宋基澤) (Shikishima Elementary School, Sariwon, Hwanghae Province): We do judo too. We also do kendo. We do them not only to train the body, but also to train the spirit.

Foerster: You do judo… even boys like you… All right, shall we have a match?

(The delegation leader stood up and grappled with Hwang Yong-gyeom, but was pushed back by the boy’s spirited strength, staggered, and cried out, “I give up, I give up!”)

Foerster: You are strong indeed! Japan is fortunate to have young citizens such as you.

Lee Sang-jun (리상준, 李相俊) (Honmachi School, Ranan, North Hamgyong Province): In addition to that, we also do exercises called Imperial Subject Gymnastics, in which we swing wooden swords.

Hwang Yong-gyeom: If one were to say “the German spirit” in a single phrase, what would it be?

Foerster: Hmm, the German spirit?

(At this moment, all the other delegation members also stood up, surrounded Hwang Yong-gyeom, and one after another said, “Deutscher Geist! Deutscher Geist!”)

Lee Nam-su (리남수, 李南壽) (Cheongnam School, Anju, South Pyongan Province): If the Japanese spirit is put into a single phrase, it is the spirit of loyalty to the sovereign and love of country. One could also say that the sacred feeling we gained from our visit to Ise Grand Shrine is itself the Japanese spirit. What is the German spirit?

Foerster: That is a good question. In a single phrase, the German spirit is the burning patriotism by which the entire people unite as one and courageously devote themselves to the country.

Fighting to the End for World Peace
The Resolve of the German People Is Firm

Hwang Yong-gyeom: What kind of resolve do Germans usually possess?

Foerster: This, too, is a very good question. As you know, even now in Europe, the enemies of mankind are still trying to disturb the true peace of the political world. They must be defeated, and Germany, Europe, and the entire world must be placed under a rightful order.

For that purpose, the German people are dedicating everything of themselves and, together with the German state, advancing while eliminating every adversity. To make the will to carry out that advance fiercer — that is the resolve of the German people that you ask about. For the sake of world peace, the German people must still fight the enemies of mankind. At the same time, the resolve of the German people will surely become ever more intense.

Lee Geun-ha (리근하, 李瑾夏) (Nishikichō School, Hamhung, South Hamgyong Province): Finally, through us, the representatives of the children of Korea, I would like to receive words of instruction from Your Excellency the Delegation Leader for the elementary schoolchildren of all Korea — no, of all Japan.

Foerster: That is an honor. I, too, had been thinking that I would like to express my feelings to the elementary schoolchildren of Japan through you.

Elementary schoolchildren of Japan! From now on, continue to discipline your spirit and body even further, and when you grow up, please serve fully as incomparably loyal and good citizens of your fatherland, Japan. For that purpose, you must burn with patriotism and cultivate the power of unity.

And please become citizens who resolutely suppress the enemies of mankind, who disturb the peace of the world and attempt the destruction of culture. Become citizens who serve in the new construction of peace in the East and peace in the world. These are the words I give to you from my heart.

Becoming Friends Through Correspondence From Now On

Hwang Yong-gyeom: Thank you very much. From now on, we would like to correspond with Germany’s young citizens, promote great friendship, and devote ourselves to friendship between Japan and Germany.

Foerster: That is precisely what I desire. Germany’s young citizens will surely receive your letters with respect and affection.

And here is my hope. Until now, youth groups from mainland Japan have visited Germany, greatly shown the spirit of Japan’s young citizens, and enlightened the German people. But from Korea, too, I would like splendid and outstanding elementary schoolchildren such as you to be sent as envoys, and to deepen even further the bonds of the heart with Germany’s elementary schoolchildren.

Do not go back yet. There is one thing left that I want to ask. What do you intend to become when you grow up?

(Asked this, Hwang Yong-gyeom immediately answered, “When I grow up, I would like to become a great soldier or diplomat.”)

Raising the Right Hand and Saying “Heil Hitler!”

Choi Seong-guk (최성국, 崔成國): Thank you very much. We, too, hope that such an opportunity will come as soon as possible.

(Then, when Hwang Yong-gyeom raised his right hand and called out “Heil Hitler,” everyone in the train showed faces overflowing with gratitude.)

In this way, the delegation and the representative children from throughout Korea, who had held their exchange inside the international super-express train as it rushed forward at full speed, left a strong impression on one another and got off at Seoul Station.

Photo: The German newspaper delegation visiting the Chōsen Shrine.
Photo: Greetings at the station: Delegation Leader Foerster shaking hands with the child representatives on the platform at Daejeon Station.

Photo: The group of elementary school representatives from throughout Korea after reporting their visit to Ise Shrine at Chōsen Shrine.

A higher-resolution image of Foerster from a press event during the same trip in Japan or Korea (from Amana Images).

[Transcription]

京城日報 1939年5月12日

使節団一行に示す
半島小学生の意気
車中の交驩

十一日釜山からドイツ新聞使節一行と『あかつき』に乗り合わせた全鮮小学生代表参宮旅行団は車中に一行を訪ね、日本小国民の愛と尊敬とをこめた歓迎の辞をおくった。これには使節団の一行は大喜び。たちまち歓声と拍手の嵐がまきおこった。リハルド団長は歓迎の辞をのべた沙里院敷島小学校の宋基澤君の手を固く握りしめながら、満面をほころばせて

『只今うけた感銘は、実に私達一行が朝鮮に来てはじめてうけた感であります。しかもこの元気な立派な朝鮮の第二の国民からうけた感銘は私達の全旅行を通じて最も大きな感銘の一つとなり終世忘れることはできないと信じます。そして諸君のように立派な小国民を持つ日本に対し、改めて深大なる尊敬の意を表します』

と挨拶した。小さいながら代表としての覚悟をもつ、りりしい児童たちの姿はすっかり一行を満足させ、一人一人が太い手で矢継ぎ早に握手せめにする。そして膝にのせたり頭をなでたり『偉いぞ偉いぞ』の連発である。かくて小雨を切って走る国際急行列車の中に珍しい日独親善の花が咲きドイツ新聞団にはもちろん、我等の参宮旅行団にも深い大きな感銘をのこしたのである。なお団長は全鮮小学生代表へ感謝の印として全小学生へ贈るメッセージとヒトラー総統の写真二枚にそれぞれ署名し、それに果物を一箱そえて代表児童一行へ贈った。

ナチ魂に結ぶ半島児童の臣民精神
独逸新聞使節と参宮学童団の車中交驩座談会
全鮮小学生に代って歓迎の言葉を述べる
純真ながらも鋭い質問に使節団感歎

十一日『あかつき』で来城の途にあったドイツ新聞使節団一行を、同じ『あかつき』で帰城した全鮮小学生伊勢参宮旅行団は車中に訪問し、全鮮八十万小学生に代り歓迎の言葉を述べたのち、フェルスター団長をとりまいて『ドイツを尋ねる』座談会をひらいた。何しろ全鮮から選抜された優秀児童だ。質問の一つ一つが純真な中にも、世界の動きとドイツの前進に対する鋭い観察がこもって、フェルスター団長はなみいる使節団員と目で合図しながら答え、一言もおろそかにしない。動乱のヨーロッパから来た、神経の太さには自信のあるドイツ一流の新聞人達も『これには叶わぬ、我々も顔負けだ』と頭をかき、児童達の真剣な質問ぶりに驚異と興味を集中させ、終って後立派な生果一籠が団長から児童等へ贈られたのであった。以下はその質問応答ぶり。

小国民に与えるヒ総統の訓えは？
正義と信念と団結

黃鏞謙（京畿開城満月校）：私達は我国の聖地である伊勢の皇大神宮に参拝し、非常な感謝と大きな覚悟とを抱いて帰りました。そこで先ずおたずねしたいことがあります。ドイツにも国民精神の中心となる皇大神宮のような神様がいらっしゃいますか。

フ団長：あるとも。大ありだよ。今ミュンヘンに、ヒトラー総統閣下の精神を形にあらわした寺院のようなものがたてられているが、これは丁度、諸君が参拝してきたという皇大神宮のように、ドイツ国民全体がヒトラー総統とドイツ国家とに対すると同等の尊敬をささげるもので、この尊敬の精神の中に、大ドイツ建設に邁進するドイツ国民の健全なる精神がこめられているのだ。ドイツの前進を阻み、世界の正しい平和を乱そうとする者を、敵として闘うドイツ国民の意志は、ヒトラー総統の信念を表徴したこの寺院のようなものに対する尊敬の念の中から燃えてくる。

崔成國（平北新義州若竹校）：僕達はヒトラー閣下を日頃尊敬しています。あのたくましい意志と何事にも驚かない勇気とは、心から偉いと思っています。ドイツの小国民は平素、総統閣下からどんな風に教えられているのでしょうか。それを知りたいのです。

フ団長：いいことを尋ねてくれた。私もそれを諸君に是非話したいと思っていたのだよ。ヒトラー閣下は正義と信念と団結とを重んじられる。だからドイツの将来を背負う小国民に対しては、常に一致団結して正しいと信じる所に向い、断乎と進んで少しもひるまぬ強い愛国心を持ち、ドイツの前進を阻む一切のものをボルセヴィズムや共産主義とかを世界のために打ち破る偉大な国民となるよう教えられているのだ。それは丁度諸君が、平素忠良なる日本国民となるよう教えられているのと同じだね。伸びる国家にとっては第二の国民の養成が重大である。ねばり強く鉄の様に強い固い意志、これがドイツの小学生に常に与えるヒ総統閣下の訓えだが、この訓はそのまま諸君の日頃の生活にもとり入れていいのではないかと思う。

そこで今度は私から尋ねよう。諸君はどんな心構えの下に勉強しているのかね。

黃鏞謙：皇国臣民の誓詞というものがあり、これを本にして勉強しています。精神と身体を鍛錬し、私共は大日本帝国の臣民であるという大覚悟をもって天皇陛下に忠義を尽すという信念を絶えず持っているのです。

フ団長：そうだろう。諸君のそのりりしい態度こそ、その誓詞の精神がつくり上げたものなんだ。

元気な君たち
朝鮮の本当の姿だ
団長・黃君と柔道試合

曹南喆（全北裡里日出校）：はじめて朝鮮の風物を御覧になってどんなことをお感じになりましたか。

フ団長：これは一寸困った質問だね。実は先程も、或る朝鮮の方がこられて、それと同じ質問をされたが、何しろこの列車に乗ったばかりで朝鮮というものを少しも見ていない。別に申上げるような感想はないとお答えしたが、しかし今は違う。諸君とこうしてお話をし、感謝に堪えぬ歓迎の言葉を頂いた。しかも、元気な諸君の姿を見て大きな感銘をうけているよ。このように立派な小学生を作りあげた朝鮮の土に、大きな驚異を感じないではいられない。諸君は全く、我々一行に朝鮮の本当の姿を見せに来てくれたようなものだ。有難う。

吳大煥（黃海道海州幸町校）：ドイツの小学生は日頃どんな風に勉強していますか。

フ団長：先程もいった通り、団結力と祖国愛と正義に進む信念を養うため、一生、ヒトラー総統の教えの下に勉強している。健全なる精神と健全なる身体を持つこと。それが小学生に課せられた第一の務めなのだ。

黃鏞謙：健全なる身体を養うためには、どんなことをしていますか。

フ団長：そうだね。スポーツをやっているね。水泳、蹴球、バーレーボール、ドイツの剣術、そんなことをやっているね。諸君は一体何をやっているかね。

黃鏞謙：やはりスポーツをやります。

フ団長：ジュウドウはやらないのかね。

宋基澤（黃海道沙里院敷島小学校）：柔道もやります。剣道もやります。身体だけを鍛えるのでなく、精神を鍛えるためにやるのです。

フ団長：柔道をやっているのか．．．諸君のような少年でも．．．よし私と一番試合をしようか。（団長は立って、黃君と組合ったが、少年の元気な力に押されたじたじとなり、『叶わぬ叶わぬ』と悲鳴をあげた）

フ団長：強いな、諸君のような小国民を持つ日本は幸福だ。

李相俊（咸北羅南本町校）：僕達はそのほかに皇国臣民体操といって木刀を振ってする体操もやります。

黃鏞謙：ドイツ精神とは一口に言えばどんなことですか。

フ団長：ウムドイツ精神か（このとき他の団員一同も立ちあがり黃君をとりまいてドイツガイスト、ドイツガイストと口々に言った）

李南壽（平南安州清南校）：日本精神は一口にいえば忠君愛国の精神です。私達が伊勢参宮で得た神々しい気持がもう日本精神そのものであるともいえます。ドイツ精神とはどんなものですか。

フ団長：いい質問だよ。ドイツ精神は一口にいえば全国民が一致団結して勇敢に国のために尽くす、燃えるような愛国心なのだ。

世界平和の為に飽く迄戦う
独遊国民の覚悟は固い

黃鏞謙（京畿開城満月校）：ドイツ人は平素どんな覚悟をもっていますか。

フ団長：これもなかなかよい質問だ。諸君の知っての通り今ヨーロッパでは依然として人類の敵が正しい政界平和を攪乱しようとしている。これを破りドイツをヨーロッパを全世界を正当なる秩序の下に納めなければならぬ。そのためにはドイツ国民は自己の一切を捧げてドイツ国家とともに、あらゆる艱難を排除しつつ前進しているが、その前進を行う意志を猛烈にすることが、即ちお尋ねのドイツ国民の覚悟なのだよ。世界の平和の為にドイツ国民はまだまだ人類の敵と戦わねばならぬ。同時に、ドイツ国民の覚悟は愈々強烈の度を加えるであろう。

李瑾夏（咸南咸興錦町校）：最後に私達朝鮮の代表児童を通じて全朝鮮の、いや全日本の小学生に団長閣下のお教えの言葉を頂きたいと思います。

フ団長：それは光栄です。諸君を通じて日本の小学生に私の気持を述べたいと私も考えていたのだ。日本の小学生諸君はこれからも一層精神と身体を鍛錬し、大きくなったら祖国日本の忠良無比な国民として、充分御奉公して下さい。それには愛国心に燃え団結力を養わねばいけない。そして、世界の平和を乱し、文化の破壊を企てる人類の敵を断固と抑え、東洋の平和、世界の平和の新しい建設に役立つ国民となって下さい。これが諸君に与える私の心からの言葉です。

今後文通して仲善しになる

黃鏞謙（京畿開城満月校）：有難うございました。私達はこれから、ドイツの小国民と文通して大いに親睦を図り、日独両国の親善に尽くしたいと思いますが。

フ団長：願うところです。ドイツの小国民はきっと諸君のお手紙を尊敬と愛とを持って迎えるでしょう。それから私の希望だが、ドイツにはこれまで日本内地から青少年団が訪れ大いに日本小国民の意気を示しドイツ国民を啓発してくれたが、朝鮮からもまた諸君のようなすぐれた立派な小学生を使節として送り、ドイツの小学生と心の交りを一層強く結んでもらいたい。

まだ帰ってはいけない。たずねたいことが一つ残っている。君は大きくなったら何になるつもりかね。

問われた黃君は言下に『大きくなったら偉い軍人か外交官となりたいと思う』と答える。

右手をあげてハイルヒトラー

崔成國：有難う御座いました。私達もその機会が一日も早くくることを希望致します（そして黃君が右手をあげハイルヒトラーと呼ぶと、車中の一同は感謝を面にあふれさする）

こうして、驀進する国際超特急の中で開かれた使節団と全鮮代表児童とは、互いに強い感銘をのこし、京城駅で下車した。

• 写真：朝鮮神宮参拝の独逸新聞使節一行
• 写真：駅頭の挨拶：大田駅歩廊におけるフェルスター団長と児童代表の握手
• 写真：朝鮮神宮に伊勢神宮参拝の奉告を終えた全鮮代表小学生参宮団の一行

Note:

The Imperial Subjects’ Oath (皇国臣民ノ誓詞), which Hwang Yong-gyeom mentions, was promulgated throughout Korea on October 2, 1937. It was actually drafted by a Korean collaborator named Lee Gag-jong (리각종, 李覺鐘), and then finalized by then Governor of occupied Korea, Minami Jirō. The oath is as follows.

• 私共は、大日本帝国の臣民であります。
• 私共は、心を合わせて天皇陛下に忠義を尽します。
• 私共は、忍苦鍛錬して立派な強い国民となります。
• 我等は皇国臣民なり、忠誠以て君国に報ぜん。
• 我等皇国臣民は互に信愛協力し、以て団結を固くせん。
• 我等皇国臣民は忍苦鍛錬力を養い以て皇道を宣揚せん。
• We are subjects of the Great Empire of Japan.
• We are united in our hearts in our loyalty to His Majesty the Emperor.
• We will persevere and train ourselves to become a fine and strong people.
• We are subjects of the Imperial State, and we will repay the sovereign nation with loyalty.
• We, the subjects of the Imperial State, shall love and cooperate with each other, and thus solidify our unity.
• We, the subjects of the Imperial State, shall cultivate the power of endurance and discipline, and thereby proclaim the Imperial Way.

Source: Digital Newspaper Archive, National Library of Korea

See also:

• In May 1939, a Nazi German newspaper delegation toured colonial Korea and was welcomed in Seoul with swastika flags, shrine visits, and official receptions (link)
• ‘Hitler’s right-hand man’ Richard Foerster and Nazi editor Peter Winkelnkemper enjoy Korean cuisine and kisaeng entertainment at a Seoul press banquet, May 11, 1939 (link)