KF뉴스레터-History of the Joseon Dynasty (Japanese-language version)

History of the Joseon Dynasty (Japanese-language version)

A Japanese translation of History of the Joseon Dynasty (Volume I and II) has been published. Based on the original Korean-language edition published by Dongbang Media (October 1998), this version provides a comprehensive account of the history of the Joseon Dynasty, centered on the reign of its kings. Volume I covers the period from King Taejo, the Joseon Dynasty founder, to King Hyeonjong, while Volume II relates to the period of King Sukjong to King Gojong.
This book, a two-volume work that is more extensive than most history books, provides a detailed overview of the history of the Joseon Dynasty. In the Korean edition, Volume I includes 662 pages, and Volume II another 1,356 pages. As for the Japanese version, Volumes I and II comprise 597 pages and 588 pages, respectively. Kim Yong-kwon, a graduate of Waseda University and experienced Korean-Japanese translator who has translated several books, including Joseon Sajeong (Pyungbum Co.), translated the content. Lee Dae-soon, head of the social cultural section of the Korea-Japan Cooperation Committee, handled the editorial duties.
Volume I focuses on the periods of Sadaebu Jeongchi (politics by the noble class) from the time of King Taejo to King Munjong; Hunsin Jeongchi (meritocracy) of King Sejo to King Seongjong; Gwonsin Jeongchi (politics by powerful courtiers) of King Yeonsan to King Myeongjong; Sarim Jeongchi (politics by Sarim, or Confucius scholars) of King Seonjo to King Sukjong; Tangpyeong Jeongchi (politics based on impartiality) of King Yeongjo to King Jeongjo; and Oecheok Sedojeongchi (rule by the king's maternal relatives) of King Sunjo to King Gojong. The periods are characterized by the particular group that maintained political dominance.
Volume II provides more extensive accounts of each king because with the approach of modern times there were increasing numbers of events and development of far-reaching significance. Sadaebu, or the new noble class, dominated the Joseon Dynasty after it successfully expelled the former noble class and senior Buddhist monks. Since the former ruling class was closely associated with the Buddhism and Confucianism of the Han and Tang dynasties, Sadaebu marked a new chapter in Joseon's history. The new ruling class successfully laid the groundwork for construction of a new state, by making efforts to improve the quality of life of the peasant class. By accepting and integrating the noble culture of the Tang Dynasty and the more global Yuan Dynasty, the Joseon Dynasty realized its golden age in the 15th century, under the reign of King Sejong.
However, as the ruling scholar class gradually turned into a new noble class, amidst an erosion of royal power, Suyang Daegun( King Sejo) took over following a coup d'etat and opened a new period ruled by the meritorious Hunsin. The period from King Sejo to King Seongjong produced a total of 250 meritorious vassals, who were known as Hungupa.
To challenge the exclusive hegemony of Hungupa, local Sarimpa, or Confucious scholars, joined forces to engage in power struggles. As the Hungupa sought to suppress the newly emerging Sarimpa, this led to the so-called Four Sahwa (purge of literati). The Sarimpa, with the support of the King, succeeded in gaining the right of speech as well as securing various appointments, which served to weaken the power base of the Hungupa.
The Sarimpa rule was rife with factional conflict that resulted in serious financial consequences for the government, which led to the emergence of Tangpyeong Jeongchi that sought to overcome the internal strife by consolidating the king's power.
Eventually, Tangpyeong Jeongchi degraded into another struggle for political power that gave way to the Oechoek period, when King Sunjo delegated authority to his relatives in order to reinforce his power base. However, the ruling figures, who favored a prince-succession system and recognition of Sino-centrism, failed to effectively respond to challenges posed by Western powers.

History of Joseon Dynasty II,
written by Lee Song-mu,
translated by Kim Yong-kwan,
published by Nippon Hyoron Sha Co., Ltd.
ISBN: 4-535-58299-8 (2006)

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History of the Joseon Dynasty (Japanese-language version)

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