KOREAN LIT

• THE TALE OF CHUNHYANG (CHUNHYANGJEON)

  • The Chunhyangjeon is one of Korea’s most iconic stories. Although its author and date of composition are unknown, it most likely originated as a work of pansori, a form of musical storytelling involving song and percussion, and was later adapted into prose during the reign of either King Sukjong (r. 1674–1720) or King Yeongjo (r. 1724–1776).

  • Chunhyang, Sung (Spring Fragrance), kisaeng Wolmae's daughter. She is very beautiful and talented in poetry and arts.
• THE TALE OF CHUNHYANG (CHUNHYANGJEON)

  • Mongryong, Yi is the main male character who is the son of a government official (Magistrate). He is an intelligent and handsome man. He fell in love with Chunhyang at first sight.

  • HyangDan is Chunhyang's servant. She is devoted to Chunhyang.

  • PangJa is Mongyong's male servant.

  • Wolmae (Moon Plum) is Chunhyang's mother and used to be a kisaeng.
• HOW DID MOON-RYONG PROVE HIS LOVE?

  Due to traditions, the two were not married right away. They had to wait until Mon-ryong passed the civil service exam. Fortunately, Chunhyang saw the sincerity in Moon-ryong and she fell in love.

  While Moon-Ryong was studying for his exams, the two lived happily and peacefully. But, one day, Moon-Ryong’s father had a promotion, causing the boy’s family to move to Seoul.

  Because Chunhyang’s mother was a gisaeng, he strictly forbid his son to marry her. He said that it could risk the family honor.
• THE TALE OF GENJI

  It consists of 54 chapters and 750,000 words, although the final 13 chapters are regarded as a later addition by a minority of scholars principally because the story then no longer concerns Genji but his son Kaoru and takes on a darker tone. 
• Genji has several significant women in his life.

  1. Lady Aoi: Genji’s first wife, their marriage was arranged when he was twelve years old. Unfortunately, their bond was not particularly close. Lady Aoi is characterized by a cold reserve, exacerbated by Genji’s romantic escapades.
  2. Princess Wistaria: After the death of Genji’s mother, Kiri-Tsubo, Princess Wistaria becomes the emperor’s lover. She bears a striking resemblance to Genji’s mother and has powerful family connections.
• Genji has several significant women in his life.

  1. Violet: A timid ten-year-old girl who resembles Princess Wistaria. Genji adopts her and devotes time to her education. Their relationship eventually becomes sexual, though modern readers may find it troubling due to Violet’s age.
• After the death of Genji's mother, the emperor then finds a woman, Fujitsubo, who closely resembles Kiritsubo, and invites her to court to be his first consort. A real beauty, Genji falls desperately in love with his stepmother but, aged 12, he marries Aoi, six years his senior. 
• Hyangga also called Native Songs.
• Byeolgok is also called Special Songs and Changga also called Long Poems.
• Sijo is also called Current Melodies.
• Gasa is also called Verses.