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    The Tale of Chunhyang: True Love Conquers All in This Folklore Classic

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    The classic Korean folktale The Tale of Chunhyang tells the story of true love conquering all. It follows Chunhyang, the daughter of a gisaeng (female entertainer) who falls in love with Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the district magistrate. Their love is tested when Mong-ryong must leave to study for the civil service exam, and in his absence, the corrupt new magistrate tries to force himself on Chunhyang. She remains faithful to Mong-ryong, who returns and saves her, defeating the magistrate. They are reunited and live happily ever after. The story explores deeper themes of social class, punishment of the corrupt, and the human desire

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    The Tale of Chunhyang: True Love Conquers All in This Folklore Classic

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    The classic Korean folktale The Tale of Chunhyang tells the story of true love conquering all. It follows Chunhyang, the daughter of a gisaeng (female entertainer) who falls in love with Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the district magistrate. Their love is tested when Mong-ryong must leave to study for the civil service exam, and in his absence, the corrupt new magistrate tries to force himself on Chunhyang. She remains faithful to Mong-ryong, who returns and saves her, defeating the magistrate. They are reunited and live happily ever after. The story explores deeper themes of social class, punishment of the corrupt, and the human desire

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    The classic Korean folktale The Tale of Chunhyang tells the story of true love conquering all. It follows Chunhyang, the daughter of a gisaeng (female entertainer) who falls in love with Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the district magistrate. Their love is tested when Mong-ryong must leave to study for the civil service exam, and in his absence, the corrupt new magistrate tries to force himself on Chunhyang. She remains faithful to Mong-ryong, who returns and saves her, defeating the magistrate. They are reunited and live happily ever after. The story explores deeper themes of social class, punishment of the corrupt, and the human desire

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    121 views3 pages

    The Tale of Chunhyang: True Love Conquers All in This Folklore Classic

    Uploaded by

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    The classic Korean folktale The Tale of Chunhyang tells the story of true love conquering all. It follows Chunhyang, the daughter of a gisaeng (female entertainer) who falls in love with Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the district magistrate. Their love is tested when Mong-ryong must leave to study for the civil service exam, and in his absence, the corrupt new magistrate tries to force himself on Chunhyang. She remains faithful to Mong-ryong, who returns and saves her, defeating the magistrate. They are reunited and live happily ever after. The story explores deeper themes of social class, punishment of the corrupt, and the human desire

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    The Tale of Chunhyang: true love conquers all in this folklore classic

    The Chunhyangjeon is one of Koreas 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. 16741720) or King Yeongjo (r.
    17241776). The classic love story has since been rendered into several films, plays
    and other dramatic forms. Multiple versions exist, but they all adhere to the same
    basic plot.

    True Love and the Social Ladder


    There once was a gisaeng, or female musician/entertainer, named Wolmae, who
    lived in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do. The gisaeng class, although usually refined and
    cultured, were viewed with contempt by the noble and upper classes. Wolmae,
    eager to escape her low status, worked her way into the heart of a civil minister,
    who eventually took her as his second wife. Wolmae then gave birth to a daughter
    whom she named Chunhyang, meaning scent of spring.
    Some 16 years later, Yi Mong-ryong, the son of the district magistrate, was out for a
    walk, taking in the spring beauty, when he spotted a girl on a swing. She was the
    loveliest sight hed ever beheld. Desperate to meet the lovely woman, Mong-ryong
    sent his servant to arrange a meeting with her. Although reluctant at first,
    Chunhyang agreed to meet her suitor at Gwanghallu Pavilion, a popular leisure spot.
    Although Chunhyang remained aloof, Mong-ryong was wholly smitten. He instantly
    decided he wanted to marry her, and went to Wolmae to ask for permission. Aware
    that marrying into a prestigious family could lead to a better life, Wolmae gave her
    full approval. Constricting traditions, however, prevented Mong-ryong from wedding
    until he passed the civil service exam. Fortunately, however, Chunhyang eventually
    saw the sincerity of Mong-ryongs passion and fell in love with him. For a sweet,
    short while, the two lived a happy, peaceful existence while Mong-ryong studied for
    his exam.
    Then one day, Mong-ryongs father brought misfortune to the loving couple by
    getting promoted to a position in Seoul, requiring him and his family to relocate.
    Because Chunhyang was the daughter of a gisaeng, Mong-ryongs father made it
    very clear that they couldnt risk their family honor by taking her with them. Soaked
    in tears, Mong-ryong and Chunhyang embraced each other and said their goodbyes,
    promising to remain true until their reunion. Mong-ryong vowed to pass his exams,
    earn a respectable title and come back to marry Chunhyang with honor.
    Eradicating Injustice
    Upon leaving, Mong-ryongs father was soon replaced by a new magistrate, Byeon
    Hak-do, who was greedy and licentious. He ignored his duties and exploited the
    local population to feed his private appetites. After witnessing Chunhyangs beauty,

    he demanded that she sleep with him, but she adamantly refused, declaring she
    had only one true love. Infuriated, Hak-do tortured her and threw her in prison. After
    a few months, just as Chunhyang was on the verge of death, Mong-ryong returned,
    with a respectful title as he had promised.
    Before ousting Hak-do and freeing several political prisoners, he disguised himself
    as a homeless man and approached Chunhyang to see how shed treat him. She
    was polite and kind, but made it very clear that she had only one true love. When
    Mongryong finally revealed himself, the two lovers kissed and embraced each other,
    rejoicing in their reunion. After righting the wrongs of Hak-do, Mong-ryong made
    Chunhyang his official bride and took her with him to Seoul, where the king
    rewarded Mong-ryongs accomplishments with a promotion. They lived happily ever
    after.
    A Complex Love Story
    Although its tempting to view Chunhyangjeon as a simple love story, it has several
    deeper themes worth exploring, including social mobility amid a Confucian class
    system, punishment of the corrupt, humanitys earnest desire for untainted,
    everlasting love, and feminine resistance to male lechery. As it was a bestseller in
    its day, Chunhyangjeon can be seen as the literary projection of desires among the
    Joseon people for social and political change: a love story with hidden themes of
    subversion. A true classic, indeed.

    MELTING

    FREEZING

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