[Explanation] In the 1920s, Lu Xun's works were introduced to South Korea. For more than 100 years, with the development of Korean society, the research on Lu Xun in Korean academic circles has never been interrupted.
Why is Lu Xun so influential in South Korea?
Why does his work resonate with Koreans?
Recently, Park Jae-woo, a Korean sinologist, president of the International Lu Xun Research Association, and chair professor of the China Changjiang Scholar, accepted an exclusive interview with China News Agency "East-West Question".
[Concurrent] Park Jae-woo, President of the International Lu Xun Research Association of Korean Sinologists, China Changjiang Scholar Chair Professor
I entered the Chinese Department of Seoul National University in the early 1970s.
At that time, Korean society still extended the military dictatorship in the name of the "Renewal System", and social contradictions and corruption problems were also quite serious.
Under such circumstances, I came across Lu Xun's literature.
Lu Xun's image of a "spiritual warrior" in China in the 1920s and 1930s touched me.
[Commentary] Park Jae-woo also said that Lu Xun's "The True Story of Ah Q" and "Hometown" have been selected into Korean textbooks many times, and students must know Lu Xun in the college entrance examination.
[Concurrent] Park Jae-woo, President of the International Lu Xun Research Association of Korean Sinologists, China Changjiang Scholar Chair Professor
When Korean middle school students enter the university exam, there is a college entrance examination when they go to university, and they need to discuss the exam.
In the essay exam, candidates for world famous works and literary classics should read and understand them.
The part of modern Chinese literature must be Lu Xun's "The True Story of Ah Q" and "Hometown", which have been published several times in Korean high school textbooks.
Candidates must understand and read when preparing for the essay exam.
Therefore, Korean high school students in the 21st century must have heard Lu Xun's "The True Story of Ah Q" and "Hometown". They also know what the "Spiritual Victory Method" is. Many people in Korean society use the "Spiritual Victory Method".
[Explanation] Park Jae-woo also admitted that the most resonant among Lu Xun's works is "Hometown".
[Concurrent] Park Jae-woo, President of the International Lu Xun Research Association of Korean Sinologists, China Changjiang Scholar Chair Professor
(I resonate very much with Lu Xun's "Hometown").
Lu Xun's hometown is very similar to the hometown of South Korea where I grew up.
The same playmates as Runtu, the friends from elementary school are still there, and the same playmates as Runtu in Lu Xun’s works are still there. I came to Seoul to go to school later.
For example, in "Hometown", there is a scene of catching birds in the snow in winter, which I did when I was young, as well as the expression on his mother's face, which I feel very intimate and resonate with.
[Commentary] 2022 is the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and South Korea. In terms of cultural exchanges between the two countries, Park Jae-woo believes that small conflicts should not become the mainstream, but you should have me, I have you, and continue in-depth exchanges.
[Concurrent] Park Jae-woo, President of the International Lu Xun Research Association of Korean Sinologists, China Changjiang Scholar Chair Professor
It has been the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between South Korea and China. The time is really fast. After the establishment of diplomatic relations, our development has been very rapid and extensive. There are also exchanges between people, tourism, sightseeing, and other various cultural exchanges and economic exchanges. Also very broad.
So a little conflict, a little contradiction, that's nothing.
You have me, and I have your situation. Everyone should continue to go deeper and expand exchanges. There is no problem in this way.
Reported by Liu Xu and Lu Huiqian
Responsible editor: [Luo Pan]