민족문학의 특질로서 ‘한’과 ‘해학’에 대한 남북의 해석과 가치 = Interpretation and Value of “Han(恨)” and “Humor” as Characteristics of National Literature in the South and the North

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper examines how North Korea interprets and values the emotions of “han” and “humor,” which are considered representative characteristics of national literature in South Korea, and attempts to find concepts of national literature characteristics that can be accepted by both the South and the North without resistance, thereby establishing a point of contact.
The interpretations and valuations of classical literary works in South and North Korea are not very different. In the case of Han, only the vocabulary used was different, but there was no significant difference in the emotion of interpreting the work. In the case of humor, the only difference was that it placed more meaning on satire and criticism as its utility, but this study confirmed that almost the same interpretation and value were given as characteristics of national literature.
In South Korean education, there is a demand for systematic and logical concepts along with criticism that conceptual words for the characteristics of national literature are derived from intuitive and arbitrary interpretations. As a positive example, concepts and structures such as “wiping tears through laughter” are presented. The structure and concept of “wiping tears through laughter,” which continuously encompasses the emotions of Han and the aesthetics of humor, can be a wise alternative to characterize of national literature in both South and North Korea.
In North Korea, the ideological and emotional characteristics of the people are categorized and presented, including anti-invasion patriotism, anti-feudal class liberation, love of labor, affirmation of the country‘s beautiful nature, noble moral ethics, and orientation toward good manners and customs. Among the characteristics of literature presented in North Korea, most, except for patriotism, are similar to the characteristics of the national literature national literature presented in South Korea.
South and North Korea show differences in the vocabulary and concepts expressed while teaching the characteristics of national literature through the same object, classical literature. However, the emotional inspiration factors behind are also not very different.