In East and Southeast Asia, Hansen's disease appears to share a common historical trajectory and values. The colonization of the region by imperialist countries since the mid-19th century introduced Western medicine's treatment of Hansen's disease, leading to the institutionalization of patients with the disease. While this historical context ultimately contributed to the eradication of Hansen's disease in the region, it also fostered severe stigmatization, discrimination, and, at times, lifelong isolation not only for those with the disease but also for those who were cured.

Reflecting on the past excessive control of Hansen's disease and the resultant stigmatization and discrimination gained traction in the region in the 1990s and beyond. Concurrently, efforts by states and societies emerged to preserve leprosaria as heritage sites, acknowledging the significance of these institutions in the historical narrative. However, endeavors to collectively historicize, preserve, and heritagize leprosaria in the region, which a shared history and value, have remained limited. As leprosaria face increasing pressure for demolition due to urbanization and development, collaborative efforts to historicize, preserve, and designate these sites as heritage locations in the region would hold profound significance.

This pilot study aims to explore the shared history and values of Hansen's disease in East and Southeast Asia, along with the considerations involved in doing so. Specifically, we will examine the shared history of leprosaria in the region across various categories, including medicine, location, human rights violations, transitional justice, and heritagization. From this shared history, we intend to distill common values and lessons for present and future generations, while contemplating methods to preserve and commemorate leprosaria in line with these values.

The research team for this pilot study comprises eight researchers from South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. They will collaborate on this endeavor, drawing on their respective countries' histories and legacies concerning Hansen's disease.

Research Team: 

- Principal Investigator:  KIM Jaehyung

- Co-Researcher: LEE Yeonkyung (Korea), POR Heong Hong (Malaysia), HIROKAWA Waka (Japan), WANG Shu-yi (Taiwan), HUNG Yiling (Taiwan), PHAM Van Thuy (Vietnam), Ravando (Indonesia)