This study dives deep into Choi Seo-hae’s literary world, exploring how anarchist thought weaves through his work. By dissecting themes like direct action, destruction, life creation, mutual aid, moral self-reflection, ethical awakening, and folk art aesthetics, we aim to uncover the intricate relationship between his writings and anarchist philosophy. Drawing on the intellectual legacies of anarchist thinkers such as Mikhail Bakunin and Peter Kropotkin, we categorize choi’s oeuvre into his early biographical pieces and later works, tracing the evolution of his ideology and the consistent thread of his creative vision through the anarchist lens. In the early 20th century, Korea was caught in a vice grip, oppressed by Japanese imperialism and burdened by lingering feudal remnants, facing both internal strife and external threats. In the wake of the March 1st Movement, Marxist ideology began to gain ground, yet the lines separating various socialist streams remained blurred, with no clear distinction between Marxist and anarchist camps. In this charged atmosphere, anarchism—with its call for active resistance and the unwavering pursuit　of absolute human freedom and equality—struck a powerful chord with the sociopolitical realities of the time, finding a receptive audience among intellectuals. The rise of the New Tendency further reshaped the literary landscape, inspiring writers like Park Yeong-hui, Kim Gi-jin, Lee Ki-young, and Yang Myeong, who incorporated anarchist language and themes into their works to varying extents. Amidst this ideological and literary ferment, choi Seo-hae’s writings, too, bear the unmistakable symbol of anarchist elements. His essays and critiques frequently broach anarchist themes, from the struggle for “bread” and the abolition of classes to the assertion of individual agency, the creation of new communities, and the flourishing of life. Building on this foundation, this paper reexamines choi Seo-hae’s works, including 《Howe Sidae》 from the perspective of their intersection with anarchism, seeking to reassess his literary output as a cohesive whole. Chapter 2 delves into the spread and manifestations of anarchist thought in early modern Korea and China, offering an overview of the core tenets put forward by Bakunin and Kropotkin, the pillars of anarchist philosophy. With this theoretical framework in place, the chapter then reinterprets the ideological stances in choi Seo-hae’s essays and critiques through an anarchist lens, especially in relation to crucial themes like life, class, revolution, economic justice, and art.

Chapters 3 to 5 focus on the analysis of choi Seo-hae’s novels to trace the evolving relationship between his ideological orientation and anarchist thought. These chapters also explore the distinctive feminist consciousness and anarchistic elements that shine through his literature. In his early works, we can discern the influence of thinkers like Bakunin and Kropotkin. In the face of imperialism and class oppression, he advocated for violent actions and radical forms of struggle. During this period, his writings passionately called for the establishment of a new social order that would protect individual autonomy and the vitality of life, echoing Bakunin’s concept of “destruction and creation.” In essence, his early literature presents a dual structure: the tearing down of the old, oppressive systems accompanied by the building of a new, just order. Chapter 3 synthesizes the ideas of Bakunin and Ōsugi Sakae, exploring the practical anarchist tendencies in choi Seo-hae’s early novels through three key aspects: the destruction of unequal distribution systems and ailing society, the establishment of individual identity and the creation of life, and the prioritization of direct action over theoretical education.

In his later years, as choi Seo-hae settled into a more stable life as a newspaper editor and journalist and withdrew from the Korean Artists Proletarian Federation (KAPF), the stark contrast between the rich and the poor, a dominant theme in his earlier works, gradually faded. Instead, intellectuals and members of the petty bourgeoisie took center stage in his narratives. While economic issues remained relevant, his focus shifted to themes like personal growth and moral introspection. Chapter 4 aims to shed light on the transformation in Choi Seo-hae’s later literature by analyzing the relationship between his authorial mindset and idealistic anarchism, through the prisms of mutual aid and communal spirit, individual responsibility and moral reflection, and scientific education and popular art.
Chapter 5 revisits 《Howe Sidae》from an anarchist perspective, examining how the moral dimension of anarchism is reflected in the characters’ altruistic deeds and mutual aid practices. The novel also unfolds an illuminating story of personal awakening through the establishment of new ethical relationships and education, offering a window into the author’s ethical awareness and ideological enlightenment in the 1930s. However, the work has faced criticism for its concessions to popular conventions and sentimentality. As such, this chapter also explores the nihilistic undertones embedded in 《Howe Sidae》.

The early days of Japanese colonial rule witnessed the peak of anarchist thought in China. During this time, choi Seo-hae lived in the Jiandao region, a border area deeply influenced by Chinese political and cultural currents. Notably, Chinese writers like Lu Xun and Ba Jin embraced anarchist ideas during this era, and a closer look at their works reveals thematic and ideological similarities with choi Seo-hae’s literature, rooted in their shared historical and social contexts. Chapter 6 undertakes a comprehensive reevaluation of choi Seo-hae’s literary works, comparing them with the anarchist sensibilities of contemporary Chinese writers.

By closely examining how choi Seo-hae absorbed anarchist elements, this study not only reveals the deep connection between his literature and anarchism but also enriches his literary research. It breaks through the limitations of previous assessments that dismissed his later works as “lacking depth,” filling the gaps in existing scholarship. At the same time, it offers a more visceral understanding of how ordinary writers under colonial rule protested against oppression and supported the people’s autonomous resistance. choi Seo-hae underwent a remarkable transformation, shifting from merely denouncing “poverty” to engaging in humanitarian action. He transcended the dichotomy of classism and nationalism and translated anarchist theory into tangible actions. Ultimately, by exploring the intersection of anarchism and socialism, this study broadens the critical horizons of choi Seo-hae scholarship, opening up new avenues for understanding his literary legacy.