Zainichi as an Exile: The Diaspora Literary World of the Poet Kim Shijong

This study explores the diasporic journey and literary contributions of Kim Shi-jong, a significant figure in Zainichi Korean literature. Born during the Japanese colonial era and having participated in the Jeju April 3rd In­cident, Kim sought asylum in Japan, where he lived under another name and engaged in various social and political movements. His poetry, written in Japanese, reflects the complex interplay of personal trauma, historical tragedies, and the ongoing struggles of the Korean diaspora. The analysis explores Kim’s literary works, examining how his experiences with the Jeju April 3rd Incident, the anti-nuclear movement, and the Great East Japan Earthquake are interwoven with broader themes of displacement, identi­ty, and resistance. By situating Kim Shi-jong’s works within the context of world literature and diaspora studies, this paper highlights the poet’s efforts to confront and articulate the multifaceted realities of his time, extending his influence beyond national boundaries and contributing to a deeper un­derstanding of Korean and global literary landscapes.

This contribution is a translation of an article originally published in the journal Asian Studies (Volume XIII, Supplement, 2025).