In 1910, Japan formally annexed Korea, following years of increasing influence and control over the peninsula. This annexation was part of Japan's broader imperial ambitions in East Asia and was met with resistance from Koreans, leading to a long period of colonization characterized by cultural suppression and economic exploitation. The event significantly impacted Korea's national identity and set the stage for future struggles for independence, culminating in the Korean War and ongoing tensions in the region.

The Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910 ignited a wave of resistance literature, including poetry that expressed national identity and cultural pride. Poets like Kim So-wol and Yosano Akiko used their verses to critique imperialism and advocate for Korean sovereignty, reflecting the deep emotional scars of colonization.