아동문학의 장르 분화와 유년문학의 등장: 1930년대 미발굴 유년문학 텍스트를 중심으로

Abstract

This study investigated the perception, writers and characteristics of early childhood literature and its intention by journal through an empirical review of juvenile magazines published in the 1930-40s. These include Eorini, Sinsonyeon, Byeolnara, Donghwa and Sonyeon. In the 1930s, early childhood literature was used to help young children with poor literary skills to develop their literary sensitivity as well as for educational purposes. This was possible thanks to the writers who emphasized the need for juvenile literature including Hong Eun-sung(1927) and Jeon Sik(1934). Despite the perception of and disputes over early childhood, however, it was far from easy to publish picture books or juvenile magazines. Just like Song Wan-sun’s Debate, they were released via the ‘Juvenile Column’ in most magazines. It was Yoon Seok-jung who revealed a great passion and enthusiasm despite unfavorable circumstances. He showed his interest in juvenile literature by writing children’s songs and stories for the newspaper. When he was working for the Chosun Ilbo as the managing editor of Sonyeon, he published the ‘Special Edition of Children’s Story’ in June 1937. In September, he released Korea’s first juvenile picture magazine Yuyeon. Juvenile literature grows and develops with participation from preschool teachers as well as writers’ activities. The children who show some talent in writing among those graduated from kindergarten release juvenile literature via newspaper or magazine. After participating in Kyungsung Broadcasting Station’s children’s program ‘Kid’s Time’, in addition, they sang a solo or recited a children’s story. These include Lee Soon-I(Choyang Kindergarten), Jang Hyo-joon(Hyehwa Kindergarten), Yeom Gwi-rye(Suwon Jimmyung Kindergarten) and Baek Hwa-seon (Kyungsung Broadcasting Station). When considering the characteristics of juvenile literature published in children’s magazines, the words were large and pictures were added. The contents of juvenile literature start to show a difference before and after the disbanding of the KAPF in 1935. Before its dissolution, the misery of the lives of proletarian children under bourgeois tyranny was described in Eorini, Sinsonyeon and Byeolnara. According to Donghwa and Sonyeon, published after 1936, however, themes changed to innocent literature, considering juvenile developmental psychology and characteristics. In addition, fun and educational messages were delivered through juvenile lifestyles, play culture, improvement of living habits, dreams and fables. The emergence of juvenile literature following 1930 encouraged children to come out as those who enjoy literature, not those to be protected anymore. Furthermore, their diverse works describing their lifestyles have enriched juvenile literature. In the end, it can be said that the planning of juvenile literature was the ground for the development of Korean picture books.