The Heartless: The Birth of the Modern Korean Novel

Yi Kwang-su's The Heartless (Mujeong), first serialized in 1917, is widely considered the first modern Korean novel. It arrived at a critical juncture in Korean history, during the early years of the Japanese colonial period, a time when the nation was struggling to reconcile its deep Confucian heritage with the overwhelming tide of Western modernity and enlightenment.

The novel follows Lee Hyong-sik, a young teacher of English, as he navigates a complex web of relationships and ideological shifts. Through his eyes, we witness the erosion of traditional marriage customs, the rise of modern education, and the growing self-awareness of the Korean intellectual class.

The Tension of Enlightenment

At its core, The Heartless is a novel about education—not just in the sense of schooling, but as a broader project of national and personal awakening. Hyong-sik embodies this drive for knowledge, yet he is constantly pulled back by the "heartless" realities of his society: the rigid social hierarchies and the emotional detachment of those still clinging to the old ways.

The title itself, Mujeong, meaning "heartless" or "emotionless," refers to this perceived lack of empathy and modern sentiment in traditional Korean society. Yi Kwang-su uses the novel to advocate for a new kind of "heart"—one informed by modern education, individual freedom, and national consciousness.

A Controversial Legacy

While The Heartless was a massive success upon its release, its legacy is inextricably linked to Yi Kwang-su's later life. His eventual collaboration with the Japanese colonial government has cast a long shadow over his literary achievements.

However, within the context of 1917, The Heartless was a revolutionary act. It introduced a new prose style, shifted the focus of literature from the elite to the personal, and provided a roadmap for the modern Korean self. To understand modern Korean literature, one must start with the heartless world of Yi Kwang-su.