김숭옥 , 윤후명 그리고 90 년대 작가군

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

As the author of this paper studied the trends and consciousness of novels of the 90s. it became obvious that it was necessary to also examine the works of Kim Seung-Oak and Yun Hoo-Myoung as they clearly have influenced them. In fact, it was impossible to properly analyze the novels of the 90s without referring to Kim Seung-Oak, the originator of the contemporary Korean novel in the 1960s. Kim Seung-Oak and Yun Hoo-Myoung had opposite propensities as displayed in their novels. The former tended to focus on urban society while the latters pastoral literature is based on rural life. These two together created the foundation for the literature of the 90s. Kim Seung-Oak contributed an interest in individualism whereas Yun Hoo-Myoung inspired a concern for romantic solitude in life and society. These two trends have multiplied throughout the colorful and brilliant works of novelists of the 90s like those listed below: 1. Lee In-Sung, Kim Young-ha, and Paek Min-Suks works of fantasy and the bizarre 2. Goo Hyo-Suh, Sung Suk-Jae, and Yun Dae-Nyoungs variety of descriptive structures 3. Oh Jung-Hee, Jun Gyoung-Rin, and other representatives of feminism In the 90s social environment four issues are paramount: First, womens struggle to find their rightful position in society, and second, the need to come to terms with a variety of different lifestyles and practices (homosexuality, drug-dependent lives, incestuous relationships, rape, unwed mothers, extramarital affairs, living together before marriage, pre-nuptial agreements, divorce and so on). Also, the process of dealing with the deterioration of accepted social standards like a set age for marriage and a typical home life. In short these changes reflect a break down of the traditional moral system, and a more liberal attitude toward sexual relations. The third concern is narcissism and a desire to escape from the routine of daily life. The last issue is a contempt for human life as seen in the grotesque pleasure sometimes derived from murder and arson. This trend represents a destruction of traditional ways of thinking and esthetics, on the one hand, and, on the other, hints at a newly discovered freedom of expression. As a result of these changes, the formerly closely-controlled social order, has given way in the 90s and after to a society governed by individualistic desire. The causes of these changes are inter-nationalism which was fostered by the advent of computers, the development of mass media including the ability to easily access a plethora of TV channels, the rapidly changing worldview of individuals with access to this ocean of information, a tendency toward impatience and quick-temperedness, and a pursuit of personal convenience. While it is indisputable that the above-mentioned development has positive aspects. it is also clear that it has had a negative impact on modern society. It has contributed to a severance of human relations, a break down in mutual understanding, and selfishness which is a short way to a solitary death. The authors referred to in this paper have a very keen understanding of the social phenomena related to the modern tendency toward individualism, and they are quick to perceive their harmful aspects. In conclusion, this paper will seek to clarify whether novels of the 90s are a realistic reflection of the changes in the modern social phenomena discussed above or whether they unrealistically exaggerate these conditions for the purposes of art. It is hoped that the insight gained in this process will aid our understanding of the ways in which novels of the year 2000 and beyond will develop from those of the 90s.