12.1 The impact of premodern literature on modern and contemporary Korean culture

Premodern Korean literature continues to shape modern culture. Ancient themes of filial piety, han, and nature symbolism persist in contemporary works, reflecting enduring cultural values. These influences are evident in popular dramas, novels, and films.

Literary forms like sijo and pansori inspire modern storytelling techniques. Traditional aesthetic principles and ethical concepts from premodern texts still inform Korean identity and social norms today, bridging past and present in unique ways.

Enduring themes in modern Korean culture

Confucian and Buddhist influences

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• Filial piety (효, hyo) remains a central theme in modern Korean literature and popular culture
  • Reflects importance in Confucian-influenced premodern works
  • Appears in contemporary family dramas and novels (My Golden Life, Reply 1988)
• Buddhist concepts of impermanence and cyclical existence reinterpreted in contemporary Korean works
  • Particularly evident in film and visual arts
  • Examples: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (film), works of artist Lee Bul

Emotional and philosophical motifs

• Concept of han (한) continues as significant motif in contemporary Korean art and literature
  • Complex emotion of sorrow, regret, and resilience
  • Explored in works like "The Vegetarian" by Han Kang and films of Park Chan-wook
• Struggle between duty and personal desire explored in modern Korean dramas and novels
  • Reflects common theme from premodern literature
  • Examples: "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (drama), "Please Look After Mom" (novel)

Nature and symbolism

• Nature imagery and symbolism persists in modern Korean cultural works
  • Use of seasons and landscapes to represent human emotions
  • Evident in poetry collections like "The Three Way Tavern" by Ko Un
• Idealization of scholar-officials (선비, seonbi) evolved into modern narratives
  • Focus on social responsibility and ethical leadership
  • Portrayed in historical dramas (Sungkyunkwan Scandal) and contemporary political narratives

Premodern influences on contemporary literature

Poetic forms and storytelling techniques

• Sijo (시조) adapted by modern poets into new variations
  • Maintains core structure and rhythmic patterns
  • Contemporary poets like Kim Sowol and Kim Chun-su experiment with sijo form
• Pansori (판소리) narrative tradition influences modern Korean storytelling
  • Impacts both literature and performance arts
  • Evident in works like "The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly" by Hwang Sun-mi
• Classical Chinese-style poetry (한시, hansi) inspires concise, imagistic forms
  • Contemporary poets experiment with condensed expression
  • Examples found in works of Ko Un and Kim Hyesoon

Literary styles and genres

• Epistolary style reimagined in modern novels and films
  • Often incorporates digital communication methods
  • Seen in novels like "Please Look After Mom" by Shin Kyung-sook
• Allegorical tales and moral lessons continue in contemporary children's literature
  • Used in educational materials to teach traditional values
  • Examples: "The Woodcutter and the Heavenly Maiden" adaptations
• Historical fiction (야사, yasa) evolved into popular modern genre
  • Blends historical facts with contemporary social commentary
  • Notable works: "The Birth of Korean Cool" by Euny Hong

Aesthetic principles

• Aesthetic principle of 멋 (meot) influences style and tone of contemporary Korean prose
  • Emphasizes natural beauty and understated elegance
  • Reflected in minimalist writing styles of authors like Han Kang and Bae Suah

Premodern literature and Korean identity

Cultural preservation and continuity

• Premodern literature serves as repository of traditional Korean values
  • Helps maintain cultural continuity amid rapid modernization and globalization
  • Used in education to teach traditional ethics and morals
• Study and preservation of premodern texts contribute to ongoing identity debates
  • Explores Korean national identity in relation to East Asian and global cultures
  • Academic institutions like Academy of Korean Studies lead research efforts

Linguistic and cultural symbols

• Premodern works in hangeul celebrated as symbols of Korean independence
  • Emphasizes unique Korean linguistic and cultural heritage
  • Works like "Hunminjeongeum" (훈민정음) praised for linguistic significance
• Adaptations of premodern literary works in modern media reintroduce traditional narratives
  • Television dramas and films bring classics to younger generations
  • Examples: "The Tale of Chunhyang" adaptations, "Sungkyunkwan Scandal" (drama)

Social and aesthetic influences

• Ethical principles from premodern literature inform contemporary social norms
  • Impacts educational practices and moral guidelines
  • Reflected in school curricula and public discourse on ethics
• Concept of 풍류 (pungryuI) influences modern Korean aesthetics and lifestyle
  • Cultivation of artistic sensibility and appreciation of nature
  • Seen in contemporary garden design, tea ceremonies, and leisure activities
• Premodern literature provides framework for critiquing modern social structures
  • Used to analyze and comment on social hierarchies and gender roles
  • Feminist reinterpretations of classical works (The Birth of Korean Feminism by Sohn Hye-gyung)