Lecture Response

[Petrina Jap]

I was intrigued to learn that class was more important than gender in determining individual status in Pre-17th Century Korea. I have only studied, read texts, or really talked about Post-17th Century Korea, and was surprised that Korean women were once able to actively gain agency and power in society.

Today’s lecture reminded me of Min Jin Lee’s “Pachinko,” a novel that follows a Korean’s family migration to Japan. Several generations are birthed throughout the course of this novel, and all members of the family interact with racial tension, albeit in different ways. It is sobering to realize how pain and shame — and their effects, as well — are so easily passed on from generation to generation. As someone mentioned today, it is important to discuss hard topics such as these. 

Considering that gendered contradictions are becoming more apparent and talked about in society, I am curious to see how considerations of gender will continue to evolve in South Korea.