1926~1932년 월간 《朝鮮之光》의편집과 경영

Abstract

This article analyses the monthly publication THE CHOSUN CHI KWANG (Joseon Ji Gwang, 朝鮮之光, initially translated as THE LIGHT at launch, and hereby stylized as The Chosun Chi Kwang). The Chosun Chi Kwang was a current affairs magazine that was first published in November 1922 and ceased publication with its 101st issue in March 1932. This article specifically covers the period from November 1926, when it began monthly publication. It delves into various aspects including publication circumstances, editorial policies, management, and its relationship with the Communist Party. The analysis is structured around the three distinct phases based on editorial changes. The first phase spans from November 1926 (Issue 61) to August 1927 (Issue 70). During this time, Koryo Communist Youth Group (高麗共産靑年會), a part of the Communist Party of Korea (朝鮮共産黨), used it as their official organ as a means of communication. Key members of the Communist Party of Korea and the Youth Group actively participated in editing and contributing articles. Through debates and discussions, they attempted to intervene and guide both the national movement and social movements. The publication and management were relatively stable, and the editorial framework established during this period persisted until the final issue. The second phase, from September 1927 (Issue 71) to July 1928 (Issue 79), focused on expanding readership beyond party members and intellectuals. Efforts were made to popularize the content by introducing new sections like essays and lectures, providing readers with cultural knowledge and reading material. Reducing the price from 50 to 30 jeon was also aimed at increasing the readership. However, from February 1928, when it became the official publication of the Communist Party of Korea, issues began to arise. The arrest and detention of staff members associated with the Party led to a crisis for The Chosun Chi Kwang. This period saw the first occurrences of missed and combined issues. The third and final phase lasted from September 1928 (Issue 80) to March 1932 (Issue 101). Continuous arrests and escapes of staff members led to the collapse of the existing editorial team, and the association with the Communist Party of Korea was severed. Although socialist tendencies remained, the magazine’s identity became ambiguous. Frequent missed issues and delays in publication resulted in a declining readership and severe financial difficulties. This vicious cycle continued until the magazine quietly ceased publication with its 101st issue.