Japan, entering the road of capitalism through the "Meiji Restoration" in 1868, launched on an aggression on Korea, prompted by the "theory of the conquest of Korea" for Japan's prosperity.

After finding out an excuse for invading Korea through the "Unyo-maru" incident in 1875, Japan sent its troops again to Kanghwa Island in January 1876 and coerced the Korean feudal government with shelling into signing the treaty.

The 12-point treaty containing Japan's unreasonable demand was concluded forcibly in February.

The treaty provided Japan with such conditions for subjugating Korea in political, economic and military aspects as the rights to consul residence, extraterritoriality, exemption from customs duties and coastal waters measurement.

The lopsided treaty is an illegal and invalid document running counter to international law and norms of international relations and infringing upon the sovereignty and interests of Korea.

The crimes Japan committed after forcibly concluding the treaty and invading Korea have always been kept in the memory of the Korean people.