Hwang Jin-i
Encyclopedia
Hwang Jin-i also known by her gisaeng name Myeongwol (literally bright moon), is one of the most famous gisaeng of the Joseon Dynasty
who lived during the reign of King Jungjong
. She was noted for her exceptional beauty, charming quick wit, and extraordinary intellect. Her personal life has become almost myth-like, having inspired movies, a 2006 TV series
, operas, and numerous novels. Due to her renowned assertive and independent nature, she has become a modern popular cultural icon of Korea
.
and geomungo
pieces exist today, they nonetheless show skilled craftsmanship of words and of musical arrangement. Her sijo often describe the natural beauty of Gaeseong and its famous sites such the palace of Manwoldae
and the Pakyon Falls. Others hint at the tragedy of her lost loves. Some are also responses to numerous famous classic Chinese poems and literature, the majority of them reflecting on lost love. Two of her most famous sijo are:
starring Ha Ji-won
in the title role. A film
starring Song Hye Kyo
was released on June 6, 2007.
Joseon Dynasty
Joseon , was a Korean state founded by Taejo Yi Seong-gye that lasted for approximately five centuries. It was founded in the aftermath of the overthrow of the Goryeo at what is today the city of Kaesong. Early on, Korea was retitled and the capital was relocated to modern-day Seoul...
who lived during the reign of King Jungjong
Jungjong of Joseon
Jungjong of Joseon , born Yi Yeok, ruled during the 16th century in what is now Korea. He succeeded his half-brother, Yeonsangun, because of the latter's tyranical misrule, which culminated in a coup placing Jungjong on the throne.-Jo Gwang-jo's reforms:On the day Yeonsangun was deposed, soldiers...
. She was noted for her exceptional beauty, charming quick wit, and extraordinary intellect. Her personal life has become almost myth-like, having inspired movies, a 2006 TV series
Hwang Jin-i (TV series)
Hwang Jin-i is a popular, award-winning Korean drama broadcast on KBS. The series was based on the life and loves of Hwang Jin-i, a 16th-century kisaeng...
, operas, and numerous novels. Due to her renowned assertive and independent nature, she has become a modern popular cultural icon of Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
.
Works
Although only a handful of sijoSijo
Sijo is a Korean poetic form. Bucolic, metaphysical and cosmological themes are often explored. The three lines average 14-16 syllables, for a total of 44-46: theme ; elaboration ; counter-theme and completion [Ibid., Rutt, pp. 10 ff]...
and geomungo
Geomungo
The geomungo or hyeongeum is a traditional Korean stringed musical instrument of the zither family of instruments with both bridges and frets...
pieces exist today, they nonetheless show skilled craftsmanship of words and of musical arrangement. Her sijo often describe the natural beauty of Gaeseong and its famous sites such the palace of Manwoldae
Manwoldae
Manwŏldae Palace was the official royal palace of the Goryeo Dynasty. Located in the ancient capital city of Kaesŏng, the palace was completely destroyed during the Red Turbans invasions of Korea during the 14th century.-History:...
and the Pakyon Falls. Others hint at the tragedy of her lost loves. Some are also responses to numerous famous classic Chinese poems and literature, the majority of them reflecting on lost love. Two of her most famous sijo are:
- "동짓달 기나긴 밤을.."
-
- 동짓달 기나긴 밤을 한 허리를 버혀 내어
- 춘풍 니불 아래 서리서리 넣었다가
- 어론님 오신 날 밤이어든 굽이굽이 펴리라
-
- Oh that I might capture the essence of this deep midwinter night
- And fold it softly into the waft of a spring-moon quilt,
- Then fondly uncoil it the night my beloved returns.
- "청산리 벽계수(靑山裏 碧溪水)야..."
-
- 靑山裏碧溪水 (청산리벽계수)
- 莫誇易移去 (막과이이거)
- 一到滄海不復還 (일도창해부복환)
- 明月滿空山 (명월만공산)
- 暫休且去奈何 (잠휴차거나하)
-
- 청산리 벽계수(靑山裏 碧溪水)야 수이 감을 자랑 마라.
- 일도창해(一到滄海)하면 다시 오기 어려우니
- 명월(明月)이 만공산(滿空山)할 제 쉬어간들 어떠리.
-
- Respectable Byuk Kye-Soo, do not boast of leaving so early.
- When you venture out to the sea, it will be difficult to return.
- The full bright moon above the empty mountain, how about staying here to rest.
Popular culture
In the late 20th century, Hwang Jin-i's story began to attract attention from both sides of the Korean divide. Her life has been depicted through media including fiction, film and opera. Novels dealing with her life include a 2002 novel by the North Korean writer Hong Sok-chung, which was the first North Korean novel to win an award in the South. Another novel, by South Korean writer Jeon Gyeong-rin, became a bestseller in 2004. In late 2006, KBS released a TV series entitled Hwang Jin-iHwang Jin-i (TV series)
Hwang Jin-i is a popular, award-winning Korean drama broadcast on KBS. The series was based on the life and loves of Hwang Jin-i, a 16th-century kisaeng...
starring Ha Ji-won
Ha Ji-won
Ha Ji-won was born Jeon Hae-rim on 28 June 1978. She is a South Korean actress. She is also the Grand Prize winner of 2006 KBS Acting Awards for her performance in TV drama Hwang Jin-i.- Career :...
in the title role. A film
Hwang Jin Yi (film)
Hwang Jin Yi is a 2007 South Korean film based on the life of Joseon-era kisaeng Hwang Jin-i, starring Song Hye-kyo in the title role.- Plot summary :The story follows Hwang Jin Yi, a gisaeng who lived in 16th century Korea...
starring Song Hye Kyo
Song Hye Kyo
Song Hye-kyo is a South Korean model and actress. She gained popularity through television dramas such as Autumn in My Heart , All In , Full House , and The World That They Live In ..-Career:...
was released on June 6, 2007.