Modernizing the Notion of Domesticity in Early and Mid-Colonial Korea: Family Harmony, Conjugal Love, and Kyoyang (Self-Cultivation)

This study aims to investigate the historical development of modern domesticity in early and mid-colonial Korea. It demonstrates how the modern ideas of selfhood and love were integrated into the notion of domesticity, establishing the ideals of conjugal love and family harmony. Focusing on the media practices of the women’s magazine Shin’gajŏng, the article uncovers the media’s role in defining beauty practices and family music as central to modern domesticity. It argues that these modern domestic responsibilities were normalized by the media-driven concept of kyoyang (self-cultivation), reflecting the intertwined interests of reform-minded nationalists and colonial capitalists.