The Historical Background and Content of Oh Kiyŏng’s Middle-of-the-Road Nationalism in Korea, 1919-1948

Oh Kiyŏng was a political critic who was famous in South Korea during the US military government period (1945-1948). Oh wrote for the political criticism sections for magazines such as Sinch’ŏnji [A New World], Minsŏng [People’s Voices], and Saehan minbo [New Korean People’s Journal] from their early editions. These magazines were typical general magazines that recorded the highest sales in Korea during those days. Although Oh was not an editor or reporter for these magazines, he wrote for the main sections of them at the personal requests from the editorial staff. In addition, Oh wrote for the “P’almyŏnbong” corner which was the front-page brief comment session of the Chosŏn Ilbo. Starting from 1924, the “P’almyŏnbong” corner continues until now and the heads of political, social, and international departments write pieces on a daily basis. During US military rule, however, Oh was in charge of this important corner as an external personnel. According to the memoirs of Oh,