The Anthropocene Prophecies and the Potential for Symbiosis in Cho Se-hee's Literature

This study examines the Anthropocenic prophecy embedded throughout Cho S e hee's literary works and aims to explore the author's emphasis on symbiotic thought. Jo Se hee's representative work, The Dwarf, has been frequently analyzed from an ecological perspective. However, his ecological awareness extends beyond this work and can be observed in his later writings, highlighting the necessity of expanding the scope of discussion. Notably, Cho Se hee's works from the 1970s and 1980s implicitly warn of climate crises, making them particularly significant. His literary corpus vividly depicts pollution induced diseases caused by rapid industrialization. The recurring motifs of atmospheric and water pollution in his texts serve as premonitions of the Anthropocene era. A crucial point to consider is that the Anthropocenic elements in Cho Se hee's works are not limited to the recognition that human activities have altered the Earth's geology and ecosystems. Rather, his writings advocate for a planetary consciousness that transcends anthropocentric perspectives, emphasizing the equality of all beings on Earth and the necessity of transitioning toward a symbiotic way of life. This approach presents a critical epistemological shift required in the Anthropocene era, making his work all the more significant.