일제강점기 아동문학 매체비평의 양상과 의미

Abstract

Magazines and newspapers were the main media for publishing children’s literature during the Japanese occupation. Some magazines, such as Eorini(어린이), Sinsonyeon(신소년), Aisaenghwal(아이생활), and Byeolnara(별나라), were published for more than a decade, while many others were short-lived, as seen in the case of the so-called “magazine ceased after the third issue.”(3호 잡지) Academic pages in newspapers also served as venues for presenting children’s literature, with Chosunilbo, Dongailbo, Maeilsinbo, Sidaeilbo, and Jungoeilbo (Jungangilbo, Joseonjungangilbo) playing this crucial role. These magazines and newspapers aimed to promote culture while also pursuing profit. While these two goals were complementary, an imbalance tilted towards profit-seeking could dilute or distort their cultural purpose. Media criticism emerged to counteract the media’s populist pursuit of profit and to guide parents and children in choosing suitable media. The aspects of media criticism during the Japanese occupation can be broadly classified as criticism of magazines and criticism of newspapers. Magazine criticism can further be classified into critiques of various magazines in newspapers and magazines and critiques of the magazines themselves. In the case of newspaper criticism, it can be categorized into reviews of annual literary contests and criticism of the authors and works featured in these contests. The significance of media criticism lies in its contribution to the development of children’s literature and its role in confirming media landscape with historical view on children’s literature. Media criticism also aimed to improve the content and format of media by providing feedback to newspaper and magazine editors. Furthermore, it assisted child readers and their parents in selecting appropriate media and provided critical support for the creative endeavors of children’s literature writers.