This study examines the concepts of freedom and liberation experienced by Korean women during the Japanese colonial period and its aftermath through the lens of a Korean literary work. As its primary source, this study analyzes 어머님 말씀 (Ŏmŏnim Malssŭm), a poem meaning ‘mother’s words’ by Korean poet Gunho Kim, which is based on the stories passed down from his mother. This poem is one of the earliest literary works to explicitly address the issue of Korean comfort women, providing a poignant depiction of forced labor, sexual exploitation, and the profound grief of loss caused by war. The poem concludes with a powerful female voice yearning for not only political liberation but also deeper, existential freedom from the harsh realities of oppression. The historical context depicted in the poem—Korean women’s suffering under Japanese rule—continues to resonate with subsequent generations, inspiring ongoing resistance movements to this day.
Focusing on this poem, the study explores how Korean women’s historical experiences at the intersection of memory, resistance, and post-liberation realities have shaped their identity and spirituality. Furthermore, this research examines how these women sought paths to freedom through resistance. The study is guided by the following research questions: What historical realities of women’s suffering and oppression are reflected in 어머님 말씀 (Ŏmŏnim Malssŭm)? Did liberation equate to true freedom, or did Korean women continue to experience oppression in different forms? How have historical experiences shaped Korean women’s identity, spirituality, and notions of freedom?
To address these questions, this study employs postcolonial and feminist frameworks to analyze the language and imagery in 어머님 말씀 (Ŏmŏnim Malssŭm), critically examining the nature of oppression endured by Korean women. In particular, the analysis highlights the emotional and psychological trauma caused by forced labor, sexual exploitation, and the loss of family and community. It then examines the subversive passages at the end of the poem that imply liberation, shedding light on the post-liberation realities of Korean women. Additionally, this study investigates how Korean women engaged in social movements and how these movements influenced the emotional and spiritual landscapes of future generations.
Ultimately, this paper redefines the concepts of freedom and liberation for Korean women and envisions a future of emancipation for them. By integrating historical experiences with literary analysis, this study offers new insights into Korean women’s struggles for freedom, resistance, and spirituality. In doing so, it aims to contribute to the broader discourse on women’s rights and liberation.
This study explores how Korean women experienced freedom and liberation during and after the Japanese colonial period through the poem 어머님 말씀 (Ŏmŏnim Malssŭm), meaning ‘Mother’s Words,’ by Korean poet Gunho Kim. Based on stories passed down from his mother, the poem is one of the earliest literary works to address the suffering of Korean comfort women. The poem not only emphasizes political liberation but also conveys a deeper longing for true freedom from oppression.
Based on the poem, this research interrogates whether political liberation led to genuine freedom or if oppression continued to manifest. It also examines how the historical experiences of Korean women shaped their identity, spirituality, and acts of resistance. This study offers fresh insights into the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice among Korean women, aiming to contribute to a broader understanding of women’s rights, resistance, and the enduring impact of historical trauma.