2019 Volume 101 Pages 235-250
I begin this paper by pointing out that Yang Yonghi's novel Chosendaigakko Monogatari (A Korea University Story) is viewed as having both autobiographical and testimonial elements, and that it deals with the issue of exclusionism concerning Korean schools in Japan. While the protagonist's knowledge of contemporary drama sets her apart from her classmates at Korea University, I show that in the scene where she breaks up with her Japanese boyfriend, a student at the neighboring Musashi Art University, Korea University, which had been a repressive place to her, is transformed into a place where her difference works effectively. Considering this transformation of the meaning of Korea University, it can be said that Yang's novel effectively exposes the mechanism of difference and approval. I further consider the critical importance of this novel with reference to an attempt of cross over the wall between Korea University and Musashi Art University that actually took place.
