The First Human Who Knew Shame

The collection Don't Call Me Kind features a unique short story titled "Adam," which refers to the so-called “first” human. In this work, Kim Kang portrays the most archetypal image of humanity. "Adam" is a kind of report on a figure who could be considered an eccentric.

Humanity's Innate Violence and Ethical Sense Toward the Community

Kim Kang's literary radar shines most brightly when questioning the basic qualities required of a member of the society. The story placed at the entrance of this collection, "The Testimony of Witness K Regarding the Knife of Suspect A," vividly showcases Kim Kang's keen awareness of community issues.

When being called kind, make sure to reply with

“Don’t you call me that.” instead of

“Could you please not…?”

The new possibilities presented by Kim Kang are anything but conventional. He places great importance on bold declarations of autonomy by individuals. The work that clearly reflects this perspective is "Don't Call Me Kind."

Kim Kang's collection, Don't Call Me Kind, continues the legacy of literary masters by exploring the archetypes of humanity with a keen eye while also exploring the ideal ethics of a community. Perhaps his sharp, and possibly excessive, ethical awareness is precisely what is most needed in our time. He urges his readers to awaken their dormant sensitivities and refamiliarize themselves with their ethical sensibilities through his works.