Hello, I'm Yeom In-yeong, a literary critic. I'll be taking you to Course 4 of Jongno Modern Trail. I hear that this course is titled the ', Modernists, the Trail of Literature.' It seems that I was recommended because there will be a number of stories related to literature.

Literature has always been a popular genre. Novels are especially loved by many people. It's human nature to be interested in exciting stories. And it seems that poetry is still an effective way to express our emotions and feelings. When we're overwhelmed by emotions, singing is often more empowering than simply talking. It seems to be related to the effects of poetry, too.

By the way, there's something that we need to think about when we look at literature, which is its relationship with history. A well-written novel or poetry is valuable material with which to look into a certain period of the past!

We can live through the characters in books and experience an age or someone else's life that we've never thought of before to gain a fresh view of ourselves and our society. Some novels serve as textbooks, showing us more vivid visions of history. In short poems, we can read about poets’ passion for idealistic and beautiful worlds that they dreamt of, as well as their life and agonies.

Today's theme is 'Modernists, the Trail of Literature'. Modernism is an artistic trend that emerged in the early 20th century. Modernism states that art begins from criticism of the prior system and styles. Modernism was a trend in Korea in the 1920s to 1950s. It seems that the nation was experiencing rapid changes back then.

In this sense, the Trail of Literature may help you understand literature and our modern and contemporary history.

Now, let's visit our modernist writers.