Four Handwritten Play Manuscripts by Kim Woojin Designated as National Registered Cultural Heritage

Representative Works of Modern Theater Including "Dudeok, the Poet's Disillusionment"
Proof Copy of Yu Giljun's "Seoyugyeonmun" Announced for Registration

'Dudeok, the poet's disillusionment (left)' and 'Lee Youngnyeo'

The National Heritage Administration announced on the 13th that it has registered four handwritten play manuscripts by playwright Kim Woojin as National Registered Cultural Heritage. These works include "Dudeok, the Poet's Disillusionment," "Lee Youngnyeo," "Nanpa," and "Wild Boar."

Kim Woojin was a pioneer who actively embraced Western modern theater in the Joseon theater scene of the 1910s and 1920s, which had been dominated by Japanese New Wave drama.

His representative work, "Dudeok, the Poet's Disillusionment," is a satirical play that sharply criticizes the self-contradictions of enlightened intellectuals during the colonial era. "Lee Youngnyeo" is recognized for its realistic depiction of the harsh lives of lower-class women, overcoming both the New Wave dramas of the 1910s and the enlightenment-oriented new dramas of the 1920s.

"Nanpa" depicts the clash between traditional and modern values. It is praised for reinterpreting German Expressionist theater to suit the Korean stage. "Wild Boar" presents the process of a lethargic self regaining vitality, employing techniques from realism, naturalism, symbolism, and expressionism.

'Nanpa (left)' and 'wild boar'

Meanwhile, on the same day, the National Heritage Administration also announced the preliminary designation of the "Seoyugyeonmun Manuscript Proof Copy" as National Registered Cultural Heritage. This manuscript was written by enlightenment thinker Yu Giljun, who recorded his experiences studying in the United States in a mixed style of Korean and classical Chinese. The work consists of one volume in nine books. It systematically covers the geography, history, administration, and customs of various Western countries across twenty sections.

The manuscript bears traces of revisions and edits made with black and red ink. As it preserves the original text prior to printing, it is frequently used as a research resource in the fields of history and bibliography.