Abstract

This study analyzes how the Korean poet Yun Dong-ju presents self-reflection and renewal in way similar to philosopher Edmund Husserl’s phenomenology. Both Yun and Husserl commonly emphasized hope at a time of despair, during and amid periods of war. Despite adversity, they centered on self-fulfillment through self-reflection and practical renewal in hope. According to this perspective, this study examines the ego-understanding of Yun and shows that it is similar with Husserl’s phenomenological egology. In particular, Husserl’s phenomenological ego has seven characteristics, which also appear in Yun’s poetry. By examining the seven characteristics of the phenomenological ego as revealed by Yun, this study argues for the similarity between Husserl and Yun and reveals that both authors espoused a similar direction to life: Husserl’s attitude toward the authentic life resonates with Yun’s ideal. This discovery of the phenomenological ego in Yun’s poetry provides an opportunity to introduce his poetry abroad, as a poet who sings universal love for humanity. Understanding Yun Dong-ju’s poetry phenomenologically will also show that self-renewal on the path toward hope is a universal value that transcends place, time, and culture and that this result is realized through love.