This study examined the influence of the establishment of diplomatic relation between Korea and China on Choseonjok(Chinese Korean) novels focused on four Choseonjok writers in China Lee Hye-seon, Woo Gwang-hoon, Yoon Rim-ho, and Heo Ryeon-sun who had...
This study examined the influence of the establishment of diplomatic relation between Korea and China on Choseonjok(Chinese Korean) novels focused on four Choseonjok writers in China Lee Hye-seon, Woo Gwang-hoon, Yoon Rim-ho, and Heo Ryeon-sun who had grown through the period of Cultural Revolution and made their debut after the revolution. As Choseonjok in China came to have increased exchange with Korea with the establishment of formal diplomatic relation between Korea and China, the spatial background of Choseonjok novels was expanded to Korea, and various experiences in Korea and changes in Choseonjok society resulting from exchange with Korea were used as materials of the novels. Moreover, changes occurred in the aspect of the language of the novels, showing the words of Korean popular songs or jargons in Korean society as well as expressions used in South Korean society.
Along with these external changes, Choseonjok novels have shown remarkable changes in materials and themes since the establishment of diplomatic relation between Korea and China. This study identified such themes including charge of the destruction of traditional values and moral corruption in Choseonjok society, confusion related to double identity felt by Choseonjok with their discovery of Korea, Choseonjok writers’ strong interest in Korean literary circle, and steady affection for unchanging special culture in Choseonjok society, and examined how such themes were manifested in the novels. With the results, we found that Choseonjok novels have been influenced by economic, social and cultural exchange with Korea activated since the establishment of formal diplomatic relation between Korea and China, and understood Choseonjok writers’ perception of how exchange with Korea influenced Choseonjok society.