MZ Generation Reimagines Classic Literature with Trendy Web Novel Titles

A new internet meme among the MZ generation is gaining traction, where classic novel titles are creatively reimagined in the style of contemporary web novels. This trend reflects a growing interest in literature, driven by the 'text-hip' movement that promotes reading as a cool activity.

The process of creating these titles often follows a format of 'who does what,' utilizing colloquial language and frequently incorporating neologisms. Examples include 'The Incompetent Heir of a Chaebol Family (人間失格, No Longer Human)' and 'The Prince with Decision Paralysis (햄릿, Hamlet)'.

'No Longer Human' (人間失格) by Osamu Dazai tells the story of Yōzō Ōba, a man from a wealthy family who struggles to fit into society, succumbing to drug addiction and attempting suicide, ultimately becoming estranged from his family. His self-description as 'unqualified to be human' is humorously transformed into 'The Incompetent Heir of a Chaebol Family,' merging it with the existing web novel title 'The Youngest Son of a Conglomerate.'

Similarly, the iconic line 'To be, or not to be, that is the question' from William Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' (햄릿) is reinterpreted as 'The Prince with Decision Paralysis,' highlighting Hamlet's struggles with moral dilemmas.

Franz Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' (변신), which explores modern anxieties and alienation through the tale of a salesman who suddenly turns into a bug, is humorously dubbed 'The Bug Story.' Meanwhile, Goethe's 'Faust' (파우스트), which depicts a scholar's pact with the devil for eternal youth, becomes 'I’m Being Obsessed Over by an S-Class Demon.' Lastly, Albert Camus' 'The Stranger' (이방인), featuring Meursault, who commits an impulsive murder yet shows no remorse, is transformed into 'I’m Not a Psycho.'

These new titles use everyday language to succinctly convey the essence of the original stories, contrasting with the abstract and symbolic nature of the original titles.

Experts suggest that the trend of creating web novel-style titles stems from a diminishing psychological resistance to literature, as understanding the original stories is necessary to appreciate the humor in these memes. Cultural critic Kim Heon-sik notes that this approach is seen as trendy and hip, as it offers a fresh and entertaining take on classic masterpieces.

The growth of the web novel market also plays a significant role in this trend. According to a 2023 report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the domestic web novel market reached 1.39 trillion won in 2022, marking a 62% increase over two years, with an estimated 5.87 million users. Cultural critic Ha Jae-geun observes that young internet users are interpreting classics in a familiar manner, finding joy in playfully altering the titles they learned in school.