아그네스 데이비스 김 『나는 코리안의 아내』:195, 60년대 국제결혼 담론

Abstract

This paper will analyze the attempt to make hierarchy between nations that was actualized between western culture and Korean culture, focused on Agnes Davis Kim, 『I Married A Korean』in Yeowon. 『Yeowon』, this magazine, which settled down as the first woman's magazine in the 1950～60s, exhibited significant impact on Korean middle-class women during the time, which seems evident in its being entitled 'the confidant of ladies'. In particular, I will scrutinize how discourses are constituted based on the concept of scientific systemizing of daily life, and 'bildung' a requisite for international marriage. International marriage was not the main issue of interest to 『Yeowon』. Despite the rise of social problems of war brides who married American soldiers during the war, and the problem of prostitution, the magazine did not show significant attention. One literature that exhibits such hierarchy among nations is the essay written by Kim Agnes Davis, 『I Married A Korean』. She married a Korean man in 1934, and wrote about her experience of living in Korea. The contents of the book is intriguing, but the reactions from the translator, and written impressions of Korean writers after reading the book are even more interesting. The quotation of the words by the translator expresses admiration to the writer, as well as feel shameful to inferior Korean culture.