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The Liminality of Illegitimate Sons and Daughters in Korean Classical Novels and Its Significance - With Focus on the Ssangcheongi-bong Series -

  • Journal of Humanities
  • 2024, (95), pp.043-074
  • Publisher : Institute for Humanities
  • Research Area : Humanities > Other Humanities
  • Received : October 7, 2024
  • Accepted : November 3, 2024
  • Published : November 30, 2024

KIM KANG EUN 1

1성균관대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study analyzes the representation of illegitimate sons and daughters (seoja and seonyeo) in the Korean-language classical novels of the late Joseon Dynasty and examines their ambiguous status and the resulting conflicts within the family structure. Although they were the members of the family, they were treated as marginal figures who oscillated between official exclusion and unofficial inclusion. These characters either strive to be integrated into the order dominated by legitimate heirs (jeokja) or are depicted as negative figures threatening the status of the legitimate heirs. Although they yearn for recognition, any attempt to cross the invisible boundaries results in sanctions. This portrayal not only highlights the precarious position of illegitimate offsprings but also reveals that their status is determined arbitrarily and benevolently by legitimate family members. In the Ssangcheongi-bong series, Yi Hye-yeom and Yu Hyeon-ae dedicate themselves to the family, but when they cross the boundaries set by the legitimate members, they face punishment, and their perspectives and emotions are completely disregarded. For example, Yi Hye-yeom’s anger at being denied due recognition for her contributions to a marriage arrangement, and Yu Hyeon-ae’s confusion with regard to his upbringing without having been bothered by a strict distinction between legitimate and illegitimate status, are both easily dismissed. While the stories of illegitimate sons and daughters may have been included merely to attract the readers’ interest or to highlight the distinguished talents of the legitimate heirs, they also reveal the suffering endured by these characters under the hierarchical family order. Although the narrator may not have intended it, reexamining the events from the perspective of he illegitimae sons and daugh ers offers a glimpse into their dual hardships. Thus, the representation of illegitimate offsprings in Korean classical novels not only exposes their ambiguous positions within the family but also highlights the contradictions of the hierarchical order they are subjected to, making it a meaningful subject of study.

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