Korean Diaspora Literature: The Case of Richard E. Kim and Theresa Hak Kyung Cha

Lecture in Korean

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Eunkyoung Jung, Ph.D. Professor, Chung Ang University Department of Creative Writing

Thursday, October 24, 2024
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

10383 Bunche Hall (10th floor)

Diaspora literature is a form of writing that visualizes and reflects on the experience of separation experienced by those who have left their ethnic and national origins. The emergence of Korean diaspora since the modern era mainly originated during the Japanese colonial period. Korean diaspora literature is mainly divided into literature of Koreans in Japan (Zainichi), Koreans in China (Joseonjok), Koreans in Central Asia (Koryoin), and Koreans in the Americas. Each of these has its own history and characteristics, but they usually contain the reality of new settlements, dual identities, postcolonialism, and cultural hybridity.

In this presentation, Professor Jung will examine the characteristics and context of diaspora literature through Richard E. Kim and Hak Kyung Cha. Richard E. Kim, which received significant attention in the American mainstream literary world through The Martyred in 1964. The Martyred was read in the context of ‘universality’ and existentialism in the American literary world. However, the creative origin of this work is related to Korean nationalism, anti-communist violence, etc. Professor Jung will examine how Richard E. Kim’s hybridity, which includes his colonial experience, postwar generation, bilingualism, and American immigration, is reflected and read in his work.

Sponsor(s): Center for Korean Studies