@article{ART003188441},
author={Shin Jee One},
title={A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty},
journal={Korean Language & Literature},
issn={1229-1730},
year={2025},
number={129},
pages={139-160}
TY - JOUR
AU - Shin Jee One
TI - A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty
JO - Korean Language & Literature
PY - 2025
VL - null
IS - 129
PB - Korean Language & Literature
SP - 139
EP - 160
SN - 1229-1730
AB - This paper examines the tragic aspects of various realities triggered by war, focusing on the imagery of poverty, and explores how Kim Jong-sam’s poetic consciousness, which seeks to find meaning in life despite these tragedies, is positioned throughout his poetic world. In Kim Jong-sam’s poetry, the tragic elements of war, poverty, and illness are interconnected. Therefore, this study discusses the direction of his poetry in the tragic circumstances of poverty and illness caused by war.
First, the scars of war, which are recognized as the root of tragedy in Kim Jong-sam’s poetry, are depicted as something not easily overcome. However, despite this, his poetry leads to the perception that human life can continue and that life is worth living. Especially through the attitude of hope and optimism presented in the imagery of poverty, his poetry suggests that recovery is possible.
Second, by examining Kim Jong-sam’s impoverished life and so-called “sickbed poems,” this study highlights his poetic attitude of seeking the value and meaning of life even in tragic realities and fulfilling his duty as a “poet,” which is his identity. This duty refers to the act of portraying and imprinting the alienated and weak, who are placed in tragic situations, through poetry.
Third, this study argues that the “tragic optimism” in Kim Jong-sam’s poetry ultimately leads to an affirmation of life and a pursuit of peace. Through this, he seeks to subvert the tragic nature of reality. His works that exude a fantastic atmosphere and those that use beautiful music as their subject matter can also be interpreted as reflecting his consciousness of optimism and his desire to present a peaceful world.
KW - Kim Jong-sam;Tragic Optimism;Poverty;Logotherapy;Victor Frankl
DO -
UR -
ER -
Shin Jee One. (2025). A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty. Korean Language & Literature, 129, 139-160.
Shin Jee One. 2025, "A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty", Korean Language & Literature, no.129, pp.139-160.
Shin Jee One "A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty" Korean Language & Literature 129 pp.139-160 (2025) : 139.
Shin Jee One. A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty. 2025; 129 : 139-160.
Shin Jee One. "A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty" Korean Language & Literature no.129(2025) : 139-160.
Shin Jee One. A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty. Korean Language & Literature, 129, 139-160.
Shin Jee One. A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty. Korean Language & Literature. 2025; 129 139-160.
Shin Jee One. A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty. 2025; 129 : 139-160.
Shin Jee One. "A Study on ‘Tragic Optimism’ in Kim Jong-sam's Poetry-Focusing on the Image of Poverty" Korean Language & Literature no.129(2025) : 139-160.
