The Dong-a Ilbo
Seo Jeong-ju was born in Gochang County, North Jeolla Province and received his primary education in Seodang village until 1924. The traditional stories told him by his grandmother, his primary education and his youthful experiences influenced his literary style. He went to Jung-Ang Buddhist College, but he dropped out of school in 1936 after being involved in a demonstration. In 1936, his poem, "Byuk" ("Wall"), was published in "The Dong-a Ilbo" newspaper. He became a pro-Japanese activist, and wrote various poems in praise of Japanese Imperialism in the late colonial period.