@article{ART003323371},
author={Kim, Ju-seon},
title={A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』},
journal={Korean Language & Literature},
issn={1229-1730},
year={2026},
number={132},
pages={381-400}
TY - JOUR
AU - Kim, Ju-seon
TI - A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』
JO - Korean Language & Literature
PY - 2026
VL - null
IS - 132
PB - Korean Language & Literature
SP - 381
EP - 400
SN - 1229-1730
AB - This paper analyzes how the ontological loss and anxiety caused by overseas adoption are healed and converted for Cho Hae-jin's novel 『Simple Truth』 through two concepts ‘Name’ and ‘Hospitality.’ Overseas adoption from Korea has persisted since the Korean War as a form of baby export within a structure of state and institutional neglect alongside racial and ethnic discrimination, leaving adoptees with lifelong trauma from separation and loss. Nevertheless, works in Korean literature that center on adopted children as the primary narrative are rare, and existing research has generally focused on issues of finding one's roots or alternative families. Therefore, this paper pays attention to the fact that 『Simple Truth』 presents the restoration of mental residence as a key task beyond finding the origin of blood ties. To this end, we first analyze the ontological anxiety and lack of Munju, the novel's main character, revealing his emptiness through representations such as dust or iron. It then argues that a name functions as a symbolic container constituting the ontological continuity of an existence, revealing that the grandmother's address “Aga” restores the meaning of Munju's name. Finally, hospitality is conceptualized as an ontological hospitality distinct from social membership rights, and its mode of operation is elucidated through the cases of Munju and Bokhui. It is a process of forming ontological stability through the granting of ontological hospitality rights, the affirmation that one is welcome to be here, and sustained care. Munju and Bokhui heal their existential emptiness through those who welcomed them. In conclusion, 『Simple Truth』 shows the process of rebuilding the grounds that an adoptee's self-finding beyond finding blood ties or self-identity can exist.
KW - Adoption;Anxiety;Name;Hospitality;Existence;Recovery
DO -
UR -
ER -
Kim, Ju-seon. (2026). A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』. Korean Language & Literature, 132, 381-400.
Kim, Ju-seon. 2026, "A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』", Korean Language & Literature, no.132, pp.381-400.
Kim, Ju-seon "A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』" Korean Language & Literature 132 pp.381-400 (2026) : 381.
Kim, Ju-seon. A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』. 2026; 132 : 381-400.
Kim, Ju-seon. "A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』" Korean Language & Literature no.132(2026) : 381-400.
Kim, Ju-seon. A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』. Korean Language & Literature, 132, 381-400.
Kim, Ju-seon. A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』. Korean Language & Literature. 2026; 132 381-400.
Kim, Ju-seon. A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』. 2026; 132 : 381-400.
Kim, Ju-seon. "A Study on the Self-Finding of adopted children in Cho Hae-jin’s 『Simple Truth』" Korean Language & Literature no.132(2026) : 381-400.
