Modern Korean Literature - a short history

Summary

Modern Korean literature evolved through Western influences, Christian missionary works, and the development of Hangul, which boosted literacy. From the late 19th century to Japanese colonial rule, Korean writers navigated censorship and national crises, producing works that explored self-discovery, social realities, and intellectual struggles. Post-1945, literature reflected the Korean War, societal upheaval, and political expression, with Western modernism and anti-establishment themes shaping the 1960s and 1970s. Today, literature continues to address national division while classic and North Korean works gain wider recognition, supported by translations and the global popularity of Korean culture, particularly film.

Takeaways

• 📖 Modern Korean literature developed under Western influence through trade, cultural contact, and economic development.
• ✝️ Christianity played a role in Korea's literary history, with the first complete Korean Bible published in 1910.
• 🎨 Western aesthetic schools heavily influenced Korean literature, music, and classical poetry, sometimes seen as old-fashioned.
• 📝 The development of Hangul boosted literacy rates and contributed significantly to modern Korean literature.
• 🇯🇵 Japanese literature influenced Korean literature during the Japanese Imperial rule (1910–1945), especially through Korean students who studied in Japan.
• 📚 Early 20th-century Korean literature reflected self-reliance, national identity, and artistic expression amid censorship and political control.
• 📰 Literary magazines in the 1920s and 1930s laid the foundation for contemporary Korean literature, often depicting intellectuals' struggles and farmers' lives.
• ⚔️ Post-1945 literature addressed the Korean War, exploring themes of tragedy, chaos, and political reality, with some rejecting sentimental post-war narratives.
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• 🌎 Western modernism influenced Korean literature in the 1960s, leading to anti-establishment themes and addressing rapid industrialization in the 1970s.
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• 🌐 By the 21st century, literature continued to explore national division, with increased global translation and recognition, aided by the popularity of Korean films.

Q & A

What was the first printed work of fiction in Korean and when was it published?

The first printed work of fiction in Korean was 'Pilgrim's Progress' translated by James Scargill in 1893.

How did Western influence affect modern Korean literature?

Western influence, including aesthetic schools, Christian religion, and literature, played a major role in shaping modern Korean literature, especially through translations and exposure to new literary forms.

What role did Hangul play in the development of Korean literature?

Hangul helped increase literacy among the working class and contributed to a literary Renaissance in the second half of the 19th century, making literature more accessible.

How did Japanese colonial rule impact Korean literature?

During Japanese colonial rule from 1910 to 1945, Korean literature was influenced by Japanese literature, and writers often faced censorship, ideological pressure, and suppression of self-reliant themes.

Who were some key founders of modern Korean literature influenced by studies in Japan?

Choy Namsan and Lee Kwangu were notable founders who studied in Japan and helped establish modern Korean literature.

What significant change in Korean literature occurred after the Samil Movement in 1919?

After the Samil Movement in 1919, Korean literature began to focus on self-discovery, coping with national struggles, and expressing a more positive attitude, supported by new nationalist newspapers and literary magazines like 'Changjo.'

How did Korean literature evolve after the Korean War?

Post-war literature often focused on the chaos and tragedy of war. In the 1960s, some writers rejected sentimental post-war literature while others engaged with political realities and social issues, making literature an important tool for political expression.

What themes became prominent in South Korean literature in the 1970s?

In the 1970s, literature often addressed anti-establishment sentiments, rapid industrialization, neglect of farmers, and concerns about national division.

How has Korean literature been received internationally?

Until the 1980s, Korean literature was largely ignored outside Korea. Since then, translations in English, German, Spanish, French, and Polish have increased, and the popularity of Korean films has boosted interest in Korean literature abroad, particularly in Japan and China.

Are North and South Korean writers recognized across the Korean peninsula today?

Yes, some North Korean writers are highly appreciated in South Korea, and in 2005, writers from both Koreas held a joint literary congress, showing growing cultural exchange.

What role did literary magazines play in shaping modern Korean literature?

Literary magazines in the 1920s and 1930s, like 'Changjo,' provided a platform for new ideas, experimentation with literary styles, and the development of contemporary Korean literature.

How did Western modernism influence Korean literature in the 1960s?

Western modernism introduced new literary techniques and perspectives, influencing South Korean writers to explore alienation, despair, and social critique in their works.