The Human Problem: Kang Kyeong-ae's Searing Critique

Kang Kyeong-ae's The Human Problem (Ingan munje), published in 1934, remains one of the most powerful and uncompromising works of the colonial era. It stands as a testament to the harsh realities of the Korean working class, particularly the unique struggles faced by women in an increasingly industrialized and exploited society.

The novel follows the lives of two protagonists, Chot-pul and Sin-cheol, as they navigate a world of deep social inequality. Through their stories, Kang Kyeong-ae exposes the brutal mechanisms of land dispossession, factory exploitation, and the systemic oppression of women.

The Intersection of Class and Gender

What distinguishes The Human Problem from other proletarian works of its time is Kang Kyeong-ae's sharp focus on the "woman problem" (yeoseong munje). She illustrates how women were doubly exploited—once by the colonial and capitalist systems, and again by the patriarchal structures within their own families and communities.

Chot-pul, a young woman from a rural village, experiences this firsthand as she is forced to work in a textile factory under dehumanizing conditions. Her struggle is not just for survival, but for dignity and a sense of self-worth in a world that views her as a mere commodity.

A Realist Masterpiece

Kang Kyeong-ae's prose is stark and unadorned, reflecting the grit and desperation of her characters. She does not shy away from the darker aspects of human existence, yet her work is imbued with a profound empathy for the marginalized.

The Human Problem is more than just a social critique; it is a profound exploration of what it means to be human in a world that seems designed to strip that humanity away. It remains a vital work of Korean literature, offering essential insights into the historical and social forces that shaped the modern Korean experience.