Korean Literature

The setting of this story was a period when government tried to control the public. Government harshly controlled all the media including newspaper, books, radio and magazines during the democratic movement in Korea. When the main protagonist Ms. Kang was making passport to visit her mom in America, the detective came to her work place to investigate her. (pg. 357) It shows that how harshly government tried to limit people with all sorts of matter. Even she was not an active protester, she was under control as well. Moreover, Kang herself relieved that she could get out of government’s suspicion and said, “Fortunately, because my permanent address was that of my aunt, there was nothing to rouse suspicion.” (pg. 357) Government during that period brainwashed and elaborated people’s ideology to regulate private life of the public. Government did not let people to criticize or protest against them. So that government detected the people who have dissident opinions and punish or educate them to have pro government sense. Therefore, even Kang was not a protester, she was careful not to get out of the eyes of government.

The main protagonist in the ‘The gray snowman’ was not an active protester even she worked in the printing house. But she still somehow related to their accompany. Throughout the story, even the member of printing house cooperated for the democratic government, there’ no clear explanation of characters’ background except Ms. Kang. She only knew about members’ last name and did not even sure that their names was real or not. When Huijin visited Ms. Kang for care, although she was totally stranger, she welcomed her and even allow her to duplicate her passport. (pg. 364) Under the absolute totalitarian government, people united together to fight against the power. No matter who you are, and where you came from, under the same purpose and goal, people gathered together and eagerly helped each other. During the 5.18 democratic movement