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The Beginning and History of the Establishment of Modern Translated Literature in Korea

PARK, JIN YOUNG 1

1연세대학교

Candidate

ABSTRACT

Lee Gwang-Su and Yang Geon-Sik were the first to suggest the terminology of translated literature as a historical concept in Korea. Lee and Yang shared a modern notion of literature as introduced through Japan, and by grasping Chinese letters and Chinese literature as the other, they started to perceive the identity of the native language (national language) and native literature (national literature) in the context of literary history. Yang in particular perceived Chinese literature as foreign literature, and clearly showed a sense of identity in contributing to the establishment and development of modern native literature through translation. Yang Geon-Sik was the first professional translator of Chinese literature, and was the largest translating agent in the colonial period. He translated colloquial Chinese literature (báihuà wénxué) and the theory of literary revolution through double translations (second-hand translations) from Japanese, and changed the perception of Chinese literature into a modern one. Yang Geon-Sik was able to comprehend Chinese literature within the context of world literature by moving in and out of Western literature and Chinese literature, between classic and modern literature, and double translation (secondhand translation) and direct translation. By examining the beginnings of translated literature in Korea, the practicality of double translations (secondhand translations) and the historicity of world literature in East Asia can be re-evaluated.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.