Week 9: Recent Korean Literature PDF

Week 9: Recent Korean Literature 1 1. Hang Gang (한강) ◎ Background -Han Kang is a prominent South Korean novelist best known internationally for her novel The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016. -Born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Kor...

Week 9: Recent Korean Literature 1 1. Hang Gang (한강) ◎ Background -Han Kang is a prominent South Korean novelist best known internationally for her novel The Vegetarian, which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016. -Born in 1970 in Gwangju, South Korea, Han Kang grew up in a literary family—her father, Han Seung-won, is a well-known writer. - She moved to Seoul at a young age and later studied Korean literature at Yonsei University. 2 1. Hang Gang (한강) ◎ Work - Her writing often explores themes of trauma, human violence, identity, and the body. - The Vegetarian is a haunting story of a woman who decides to stop eating meat, which spirals into a psychological and emotional transformation that affects her family deeply. - This novel, along with her other works, such as Human Acts, which delves into the Gwangju Uprising and the lasting impacts of political violence, shows her unique literary style—both poetic and visceral, often focusing on personal and societal suffering. - In addition to her novels, Han Kang has written poetry and essays, making her one of South Korea’s most celebrated contemporary authors. - Her works have been translated into multiple languages, bringing her thought-provoking narratives and distinctive style to a global audience. 3 1. Hang Gang (한강) ◎ Nobel Prize - Han Kang was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2024, making her the first South Korean author to receive this prestigious honor. - The Swedish Academy recognized her for her “intense poetic prose that confronts historical traumas and exposes the fragility of human life.” - Known internationally for novels such as The Vegetarian and Human Acts, Han’s work delves deeply into themes of human suffering, memory, and resilience, often inspired by Korea’s turbulent history. Her writing is celebrated for its powerful emotional depth and its exploration of the human body and psyche. - Her Nobel Prize win has been widely celebrated in South Korea, marking her as a leading figure in contemporary literature and further highlighting the global significance of Korean literary voices. 4 1. Hang Gang (한강) 5 2. Kim Joo-hye (김주혜) ◎ Tolstoy Literary Award (Yasnaya Polyana Award) Winner - In 2024, Korean-American author Kim Joo-hye received the prestigious Tolstoy Literary Award (Yasnaya Polyana Award) in Russia for her novel The Beasts of a Small Land. - Her work, set during the Japanese occupation of Korea, explores the resilience and struggles of Korean people, drawing on stories of resistance and family history. - The award celebrates her significant contribution to literature and acknowledges her influence by comparing her to prominent Russian authors like Anton Chekhov and Boris Pasternak. 6 3. Kim Hyesoon(김혜순) ◎ National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Award Winner - A poet from an earlier generation than writer Han Kang, is one of the most internationally acclaimed South Korean poets over the past decade. - In March, she became the first Korean to win the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) Award with her translated poetry collection Phantom Pain Wings, a significant achievement as the NBCC is among America’s top literary awards. - Her previous honors include the 2019 Griffin Poetry Prize for Autobiography of Death. - Recognized for her feminist influence in Korean poetry, Kim Hyesoon’s work is celebrated for its universal appeal. 7 Week 9: Korean Religions in 21C 8 1. Most Religiously Diverse Country on the Planet* ◎ High Competition and Growth** - South Korea’s religious landscape is extremely competitive, with significant growth in major religious communities over recent decades - By 2014, about half of South Koreans had no religious affiliation, while the rest were nearly equally divided among Buddhists, Protestants, and Catholics, with no major changes since 2005. - Lack of Dominance: No single religion is dominant in Korea; the major religions—Buddhism, Protestant Christianity, and Roman Catholicism—hold comparable membership percentages. 9 1. Most Religiously Diverse Country on the Planet* ◎ High Competition and Growth - Unique Religious Diversity: Despite being ethnically homogeneous, Korea has a diverse religious market without a default religion, unlike many countries where religion often aligns with ethnicity. - Religious Fluidity: Movement in and out of religious communities is common but has stabilized recently, as fewer people are switching religions or moving between religious and non-religious identities. *Baker, D. (2016). Religion in twenty-first century Korean lives. In Routledge handbook of Korean culture and society (pp. 91-104). Routledge. ** Baker, D. (2016). The Emergence of a Religious Market in Twentieth-century Korea. The Review of Korean Studies, 19(1), 7-39. 10 2. Historic Background** ◎ Historical Competition - Buddhism, having been in Korea since the 4th century, initially had an advantage in attracting followers, while Catholicism and Protestantism faced challenges introducing new spiritual approaches when they arrived in the 18th and 19th centuries, respectively. ◎ Protestant Growth - Protestantism quickly surpassed Catholicism due to a larger number of missionaries, clerics, and churches. - By the early 20th century, Protestants significantly outnumbered Catholics and eventually Buddhists as well. 11 2. Historic Background** ◎ Post-War Dominance and Adaptation - Protestants maintained their lead with more worship spaces and clergy, but Buddhism saw a resurgence in the 1960s-70s, establishing itself as Korea’s largest single religious group by the 1985 ◎ Christian Paradigm Influence - Christianity’s approach introduced four key elements that reshaped Korean religious culture: doctrinal emphasis, exclusivity, congregational participation, and proselytizing ◎ Rise in Religious Identity - The increase in religious self-identification among Koreans reflects Christianity’s influence on religious branding, even as actual ritual practices have remained stable. 12 3. The Rise in Religious Affiliation** ◎ Growth in Religious Affiliation - The percentage of Koreans identifying with a specific religion rose from 4% in 1940 to 12% in 1964, reaching a majority by the mid-1990s. - Expansion of Religious Buildings: The number of worship spaces increased significantly, from about 10,357 in 1962 to 109,668 by 2011, with Protestant churches seeing the largest growth, followed by Buddhist temples. 13 3. The Rise in Religious Affiliation** ◎ Growth in Religious Affiliation - Increase in Religious Clergy: The number of religious leaders surged, especially Protestant clergy, which grew from 20,897 in 1962 to over 140,000 by 2011. Buddhist and Catholic clergy numbers also rose, reflecting the growing religious infrastructure. Market Dynamics: Growth in churches/temples and clerics likely fueled increased religious affiliation, with visible, larger buildings attracting more members. 14 4. Urbanization and Religious Affiliation** ◎ Urbanization’s Impact - Rapid urbanization transformed Korea from a rural society (with 28% urban population in 1960) to one where over 81% lived in cities by 2005, particularly in Seoul. - This shift led Koreans to seek new communities and guidance outside of traditional village life. - Religious Groups as Community Replacements: Religious organizations, especially with increased proselytizing, offered a sense of belonging and support for city dwellers, filling the communal role previously held by villages. 15 4. Urbanization and Religious Affiliation** ◎ Christianity’s Influence on Modern Identity - Christianity, perceived as modern due to its association with education and social status, influenced Koreans to adopt a formal religious identity as a marker of modernity, affecting the self-identification of Buddhists and others as well. ◎ Market-Like Religious Environment - In cities, religion became part of the cultural market, with people encountering religious options and proselytizing in a setting that encouraged personal religious decisions similar to consumer choices. 16 5. Folk Religion in Contemporary Korea ◎ Animism - Dealing with natural objects that are inanimate or at least do not have personalities was much stronger in Korea’s distant past but we can still find signs of it today - Sacred Trees (당산나무): often stand next to small pavilions, serving both as shaded informal gathering points, and spaces for traditional rituals and ceremonies involving prayer and offerings to the tree - Jangseung (장승): village guardian is a Korean totem pole usually made of wood, the pairs of guardian spirit posts, one male and one female 17 5. Folk Religion in Contemporary Korea** ◎ Shamanism - Shamanism is largely classified as a “folk custom” rather than an organized religion, and many Koreans view it as a cultural heritage rather than a doctrinal belief system - This classification often excludes it from official religious counts in surveys. - Despite this, it has seen a revival in media, art, and academia, as Koreans rediscover its value as a source of cultural identity. - Modern South Korean films, literature, and performances often incorporate shamanistic themes, reflecting its enduring influence. 18 5. Folk Religion in Contemporary Korea** ◎ Shamanism - Female Dominance and Empowerment: Most Korean shamans, called Mudang, are women, which stands in contrast to male-dominated religious clergy. - Shamanism, therefore, has become a space for female spiritual authority, attracting a clientele that is also predominantly female. - This dynamic is unique in a society where traditional hierarchies still influence religious institutions. 19 5. Folk Religion in Contemporary Korea** ◎ Shamanism - Integration with New Technologies: In recent years, shamans have adapted to modern communication methods, offering consultations online and through social media. - This digital presence has allowed shamanism to reach younger audiences and those who may be reluctant to visit a shaman in person, showing its adaptability in the modern era. - Challenges in the Modern Era: Shamanism faces criticism from more institutionalized religions and skepticism from those who view it as superstitious. - Yet, it persists because it provides personal and meaningful spiritual experiences that are responsive to individual needs, bridging the traditional with the contemporary. 20 5. Folk Religion in Contemporary Korea** ◎ Shaman (Mudang) - Korean people often blend aspects of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism in daily life. - For instance, they follow Confucian principles in relationships, Buddhist beliefs in karma, and seek shamans for advice on fortune and life events. - Female shamans, known as “Mudang,”(무당) dominate Korean shamanism. - They act as mediators between the human and spiritual realms, performing rituals for healing, blessings, and divination. 21 5. Folk Religion in Contemporary Korea** ◎ Shamanistic Rituals (Kut, Gut, 굿) - The rituals, known as “Kut,” vary in scale and purpose: They range from brief rituals to multi-day events performed with musical instruments and include different types for family well-being, honoring the dead, and good luck or misfortune removal. ◎ Fortune-telling (Saju, 사주) - an integral part of shamanism, remains popular, with people consulting shamans before major decisions, a practice widespread even among urban professionals and the political elite 22 6. Buddhism* ◎ Buddhist Doctrines - Core teachings include impermanence (nothing is permanent, so attachment leads to suffering), karma (actions shape future outcomes), and reincarnation (ongoing rebirths unless one achieves detachment). - Some, like Pure Land Buddhists, believe in rebirth in paradise, while others focus on achieving enlightenment through detachment. ◎ Meditative vs. Devotional Buddhism - Meditative Buddhists focus on calming the mind to observe change without attachment. - Devotional Buddhists seek practical help by praying, chanting, and making offerings. 23 6. Buddhism* ◎ Temple Practices - Korean temples combine meditation, prayer, chanting sutras, and sermons. - Some modern temples hold Sunday services, with laypeople joining monks for meditation or singing hymns in Korean. ◎ Urban and Cultural Integration - Urban temples incorporate modern services, meditation sessions, and even piano-accompanied hymns, while still performing traditional rituals. - Devotional practices often seek blessings for practical concerns, such as education. 24 6. Buddhism* ◎ Buddhist Presence in Society - Large temples attract diverse crowds for various services, highlighting Buddhism’s enduring appeal. - Urban areas like Seoul feature shops selling Buddhist items near temple headquarters, showcasing Buddhism’s integration into contemporary Korean culture. 25 6. Buddhism* ◎ Bongeunsa Temple(봉은사) - A major Buddhist temple located in the Gangnam district of Seoul, South Korea. - Originally built in 794 during the Silla Dynasty, it is one of the most significant temples in Seoul, known for its striking architecture and large, serene Buddha statue. - Bongeunsa is part of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and offers various cultural and spiritual programs, including temple stays and meditation sessions, attracting both locals and international visitors. - The temple’s setting amid the urban landscape of Gangnam highlights its blend of tradition and modernity. 26 6. Buddhism* ◎ Jogyesa Temple(조계사) - A prominent Buddhist temple in central Seoul and serves as the main temple of the Jogye Order, Korea’s largest sect of Buddhism. - Established in 1910 during the Japanese occupation, it became a central hub for Korean Buddhism’s revival. - Known for its beautiful main hall and vibrant lotus lantern decorations, especially during Buddha’s Birthday celebrations, Jogyesa draws both worshippers and tourists. - It offers meditation sessions, temple stay programs, and cultural events, making it a key spiritual and cultural landmark in Seoul. 27 7. Christianity* ◎ Historical Context - Folk religion, Buddhism, and Confucianism have been part of Korean culture for over a millennium. - Christianity entered later, with Catholics arriving in the late 18th century through books from China, without any missionaries initially. - Protestant missionaries followed in 1884, marking the beginning of structured congregational worship in Korea. ◎ Catholic Martyrdom and Exclusivity - Early Korean Catholics faced persecution, with around 8,000 martyrs over eight decades. - Catholicism introduced exclusivity in religious practice, where adherents avoided rituals involving other deities or spirits, setting it apart from the flexible practices in traditional Korean religions. 28 7. Christianity* ◎ Protestant Congregations and Participatory Worship - Protestantism, with Korean-language services, introduced participatory worship, engaging congregants in vocal prayers and hymn singing. - The larger number of Protestant missionaries helped it grow faster than Catholicism. ◎ Modern Catholic and Protestant Demographics - By 2005, 18.3% (15% in 2023) of South Koreans were Protestant, and 10.9% (5% in 2023) were Catholic. - Christian congregations remain active, with Protestants forming around 70,000 churches, many following Evangelical traditions emphasizing rebirth and divine assurance of Heaven. 29 7. Christianity* ◎ Koreanized Worship Practices - Korean Catholic mass is in Korean, and congregations foster close-knit community ties through pre- and post-mass gatherings and small group meetings. - They organize pilgrimages to sites associated with Korean Catholic martyrs, enhancing communal bonds. ◎ Evangelical Protestantism - Korean Protestantism is influenced by Evangelicalism, with active services including hymn singing, communal prayers, and charismatic practices like speaking in tongues. - The pastor’s role is central, with churches often chosen based on the pastor’s reputation rather than denomination. 30 7. Christianity* ◎ Notable Figures and Mega-Churches - Prominent pastors like Cho Yonggi(조용기) of Yoido Full Gospel Church(여의도 순복음교회) draw large followings, with his church continuing to attract large congregations due to its prosperity-focused sermons and charismatic leadership. - Christianity in Korea has transformed into a distinctly Korean practice, balancing traditional beliefs with structured congregational worship, community focus, and, in the case of Protestantism, Evangelical fervor. 31