KJCKorea
Journal Central

This study posits that intergenerational cultural care is commonly found in recent immigrant narratives that have gained significant attention. By analyzing texts using this framework, this study aims to derive the implications of ‘care’ as a crucial keyword in contemporary society. The ultimate goal is to clearly delineate the blueprint of the care paradigm required in the new era as presented in popular narratives. The target works feature third-generation Korean immigrants born overseas as protagonists within Korean families settled abroad. They depict interactions where these grandchildren meet their grandmothers, who have unfamiliar Korean cultures, and engage in mutual care. The generational and cultural intersection, stemming from the grandparent-grandchild relationship and the differing cultural backgrounds, enriches the meaning of the care exchanged between the characters. Examining the care provided by Soon-ja in <Minari> and Ae-ja in <When you Trap a Tiger> to their third-generation grandsons reveals that their caregiving is not one-sided, imposing traditional Korean culture or their generational values. Instead, they dedicate themselves to their grandchildren, accepting them as they are and conveying the message that ‘you are a strong child.’ Through this, the care recipients establish their self-identity, grow into beings capable of providing care, and form a mutually caring relationship. Based on Noddings' care ethics, which emphasizes that a care relationship is complete only when the care recipient accepts the care, this study examines how both the caregiver and the care recipient become subjects of solidarity through receptivity and mutual care. The discourse on care has shifted from the family to the societal and institutional levels. While institutional care based on needs is essential, care that embraces the other and offers genuine compassion remains equally important. By exploring immigrant narratives that depict how individuals from different cultures and generations care for one another, we can gain valuable insights into the true essence of ‘care’.

Immigrant Narrative, Generational and Cultural Intersection, Cultural Care, Mutual Receptivity, Identity, Solidarity