Korea was liberated from Japanese rule on 15 August 1945. On the poetic front, the controversy between left and right that had raged in the late 1920s and early 1930s revived in full force amid frantic groupings and regroupings. Pressing concerns for the writers included a purging of the vestiges of Japanese colonialism, self-criticism of pro-Japanese activities by certain writers, either coerced or voluntary, and the recovery of the mother tongue and establishment of a national literature. While the left emphasized strong class consciousness and Marxist literature, the right called for a defense of humanity and an emphasis on individuality. Before hard-core leftists went north prior to the establishment of the Republic of Korea (15 August 1948), the literary scene in Seoul was vibrant and dynamic: poetry readings, open debates on literary and political issues, celebration of the publication of individual volumes of poetry or occasional music appreciation sessions in coffee shops such as Dolce and Flower. In short, two movements came into being: one advocating the restoration of Korean tradition and the other insisting on class literature for the masses.

A separation of poetry and politics was the only means to preserve the Korean language and literature during the colonial period – an inevitable result of Korea's historical situation – and symbolism was a means of veiled expression of political or national concerns. Fervor for political possibilities and patriotic ardor prevented writers from objectively understanding the true meaning of liberation and social formation.