The Role of Manhwa in the Sociopolitical Landscape of Early 20th Century Korea

This thesis examines the role of early Korean manhwa and saphwa (illustrations) as tools of socio-political commentary and resistance during the early 20th century, a period marked by Japanese colonization of Korea. These early forms of visual art, published in newspapers and magazines, were instrumental in reflecting public sentiment and critiquing colonial rule. Through symbolic and satirical imagery, artists like Yi Do-yeong and Kim Gyu-taek addressed the hardships of colonial Korea, often subtly promoting national identity and independence. The study highlights how illustrations evolved from single-panel critiques to serialized stories, embodying the spirit of resistance even under censorship. By analyzing these historical art forms, this research underscores the enduring impact of manhwa in preserving Korean cultural identity and influencing future media, such as the globally recognized webtoons. The thesis also suggests avenues for future research on the socio-political role of manhwa in post-liberation Korea, the dictatorship period, the independence movements of the 1980s, and contemporary society.