Kim Ji-in’s short story Decalcomania is a delicate exploration of love, guilt, and moral conflict. Symmetrically portraying the psychological tension between two characters within the confines of marriage, it illuminates the struggles arising from the clash between human desire and responsibility. The author deeply probes the essence of love and the pain it brings, placing readers in morally ambiguous situations that prompt reflection on their own standards of right and wrong.
The story addresses the transformation of individual consciousness and the collision of societal values, reflecting universal conflicts of modern life. Through the question, “Where does your standard of love lie?” Kim Ji-in presents readers with an open-ended moral dilemma, encouraging them to seek their own answers. Decalcomania captures the beauty and complexity of love, leaving a profound and lasting resonance.
