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Translation of Choonhyang-Jeon by Japanese Writers in Early 20th Century

  • Journal of Korean Literature
  • 2016, (34), pp.31-62
  • Publisher : The Society Of Korean Literature
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature
  • Published : November 30, 2016

Rho, Kyung Hee 1

1울산대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

In this study, I trace back the early stage of recreating classical Chosun novels into modern publication, through investigating the translation of Choonhyang-Jeon (春香傳) by Japanese writers in early 20th century. Of particular interest are the works by Nakarai Tosui(半井桃水) in 1882, by Takahashi Toru(高橋亨) in 1910, and by Hosoi Hajime(細井肇) in 1921, the last one being titled as Kwanghanru-Ki (廣寒樓記). These translated editions were created in the political background of Japan's economic invasion, annexation of Korea, and 3.1 Independence Movement. They were recreated for the purpose of understanding the culture and spirit of Chosun and transformed accordingly. The erotic elements of the original version were abbreviated and the traditional values such as the fidelity and filial piety were stressed. As a result, the social criticism and the entertaining aspects of the original version were diminished, reflecting the contrasting view of the Japanese from that of Chosun. Since 1920's, Choonhyang-Jeon was recognized as a classic by Chosun writers and this appears to reflect those Japanese translations in part. It remains to be uncovered how Choonhyang-Jeon developed and got recognized by Chosun and Japanese writers in contrasting manner through the time-space of modern era.

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