ABSTRACT
The diplomatic and military contacts between the Korean Provisional Government and the US during the Pacific War were a catalyst for the formation of both the South Korean state in 1948 and also the US-Republic of Korea alliance, and thus they should rightfully occupy an important place in the history of the formation of bilateral alliances in the Asia-Pacific region. During the Pacific War, the US introduced the much misunderstood idea of trusteeship as a way to safeguard the future independence of Korea. The US’ East Asian policy during the Pacific War already aimed at balancing and checking Chinese and Russian influence in the region. The leadership of the Korean nationalists of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea had emphasized the necessity of close cooperation with the US during and after the preparations for the “Eagle Project”.
