It is a political allegory of Korea's transition from dictatorship to democracy, with themes of how totalitarianism can crush intellectual opposition, either by intimidation or assimilation.
[2] This book was a big hit in South Korea and was later made into the 1992 film adaptation, Our Twisted Hero, directed by Park Jong-won.
Due to Byeong-tae's father failing in business, they move to a low town and go to Y Elementary School.
At this point he breaks and gives up his principles, in a scene reminiscent of a parallel one in Orwell's 1984, turning instead to fight to gain Eom's respect.
Seokdae's orderly rule is an allegory of Korea under its corrupt dictatorial regimes of the 1950s to 1980s, where freedom and human rights were sacrificed for social stability and economic growth.
The new order that ousts Seokdae is an unromanticised representation of early democracy in Korea, which were idealistic and unsuccessful compared to the dictatorships.
Yi asserts that, though the people should contest corrupt leadership and the appearance of order and success, good political intentions are not enough on their own.