Osu-Wan, the author of the novel Ecce Homo, was awarded the 16th Honbul Literature Prize. During a press conference on September 15 in Jung-gu, Seoul, he discussed his work.
Set in a world where a being known as Prime wipes out 99% of humanity with a single clap, Ecce Homo explores the aftermath of civilization's collapse. Thirty years after the disaster, a mute girl named Sub and her guardian, a middle-aged man named Norman, embark on a bicycle journey to the city of Jitek, where a hopeful expo for humanity's revival is taking place. Along the way, Norman teaches Sub how to find water, repair machines, and respect life.
Osu-Wan explained that his story stemmed from a desire to critique the violence perpetrated by humans, a species that, as the apex of the ecosystem, destroys it without hesitation. He contemplated what actions a superhuman might take in such a scenario. “I wanted to depict what an outsider living in human society, who can also criticize and punish humanity, would think and how they would act,” he said.
While the novel begins with a catastrophe that wipes out 99% of humanity, it does not completely negate humanity. Judge Eun Hee-kyung, a novelist, remarked that the book is “not heavy and reads quickly,” noting that it portrays the violence of human nature and civilization while still embracing humanism.
The original title of the novel was Contact, which referred to the encounter between Norman, a superhuman who defines himself as different from humans, and humanity. However, as the story evolved, the perspective and voice of Sub, who travels with Norman, became central. One day, the phrase Ecce Homo, meaning “Behold the Man,” came to mind.
Ecce Homo is known from the New Testament, where Pontius Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd demanding his punishment. This scene has been depicted repeatedly in Western art.
Osu-Wan believes that Norman fits well with the title Ecce Homo as he is also a being different from humans. “However, in the story, the ‘homo’ could refer to Norman, the girl observing Norman, or humanity itself,” he explained. Both Norman and Sub, as well as all of humanity, can be subjects of Ecce Homo.
Norman's character also reflects parental figures. Osu-Wan noted, “Even when parents nag their children, the children often don’t fully understand. Ultimately, what children learn is from their parents' actions.” He added, “Norman tries to convey his distrust of humanity sincerely, but there is a wall between them.”
What should not disappear even after civilization collapses? In the novel, the film Norman shows Sub is The Wizard of Oz. Osu-Wan chose it as a symbol of the art left behind by humanity.
“I believe there are things created by humanity that cannot be replaced. While knowledge in physics or mathematics is important, so is art. The film represents the totality of art. In the early part of The Wizard of Oz, when the door to Oz opens, color bursts forth. It shows how beautifully art can convey beauty and that beauty can be immortal.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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