The Confucian Kingship in Korea: Yôngjo and the Politics of Sagacity

by JaHyun Kim Haboush

The Neo-Confucian kingship was based on the ideal of the sage king, an ordinary human being rendered supreme through his extraordinary virtue. The eighteenth-century Korean ruler Y ngjo, one of that country's most illustrious yet most tragic rulers, is a fascinating example of the Neo-Confucian sage kingship. In this book, JaHyun Kim Haboush provides an outstanding, dramatically realized introduction to traditional Korean culture through the story...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0231066570
• ISBN13: 9780231066570
• Release Date: March 2001
• Publisher: Columbia University Press
• Length: 336 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Fascinating stories of the life and politics of King Yong-jo

I didn't have much expectations when I purchased this book. 18C Korea is not the most exciting period of Korean history. However, the book was a very interesting read, which I finished in less than a week. Those who like to read history, especially stories of kings and palace politics, this will be a great recommendation. The first part gives a general background of Confucious philosophy to the readers-helpful in understanding the later part of the book. The rest of the book deals with King Yong-jo's achievements, with focus on his motivation. The final section covers the tragic epsode of Prince Sado-the only crown prince in Korean history "murdured by his own father (Yongjo)". Prince Sado was raised to be a great king, with all the financial/material support the world could buy. However, Yong-jo forgot Sado was a human being who needed tendor loving care as a child. Eventually, Sado goes insane in his late teens, starts killing people. When Yong-jo realized he created a monster, it was too late. This story is not just a political story, but a warning to all parents who try to push their kids too much at a too early stage of life. The book is full of well researched facts written by an authoritative professor in Korean history. However, it does not read like a boring academic disseration. A great balance between history and entertainment.