The Proletarian Artists Alliance of Joseon (KAPF), a leftist coalition formed in 1925, appeared prominently in university textbooks and united progressive artists during that era.
Key figures included Kim Ki-jin, widely known as Kim Pal-bong after his pen name ‘Palbong,’ and Park Young-hee.
Kim Pal-bong left leftist literary circles in 1935. Ahead of the Korean War, he managed a private firm and avoided any collaborator role.
Gruesome Fate in Occupied Seoul
Under North Korean control in Seoul, Kim Pal-bong suffered a brutal people’s trial. Officials labeled him a ‘Jeonnam reactionary’ and ordered his immediate execution.
Shocking Records Confirmed
These accounts initially provoke disbelief, prompting questions like ‘Could this be real?’ due to their intense cruelty. Eyewitness testimonies, period trial documents, and news reports all vividly affirm the harsh reality of the proceedings.
