5·18 광주 민주화 운동
Jung was profoundly influenced by the Gwangju Uprising, which occurred while he was working as a reporter for the Dong-a Ilbo. What intrigued Jung was not so much the political issue, but the issues of men confronting death and redemption. In "Perfect Soul" (Wanjeonhan yeonghon), barbarity of those in power is contrasted against the simplicity and passivity of innocent souls.