@article{ART002963142},
author={Haejin Lee},
title={The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony},
journal={Journal of Korean Literature},
issn={1598-2076},
year={2023},
number={47},
pages={45-74},
doi={10.52723/JKL.47.045}
TY - JOUR
AU - Haejin Lee
TI - The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony
JO - Journal of Korean Literature
PY - 2023
VL - null
IS - 47
PB - The Society Of Korean Literature
SP - 45
EP - 74
SN - 1598-2076
AB - This study examines the characterization of the two main characters, Heungbu and Nolbu, and the ending of Heungbujeon, using the keywords of material well-being and relational harmony. It seeks to discover the contemporary value of Heungbujeon by discussing its possible meaning as it relates to the orientations of today’s Korean society.
Heungbujeon presents Nolbu as an example of an individual who is preoccupied with the achievement of material well-being while neglecting the value of relational harmony. Heungbu exemplifies an individual who is preoccupied with relational harmony and somewhat neglects the value of material well-being. In a society where individuals live together, Heungbujeon bifurcates in two directions: an ending that excludes human characters like Nolbu and an ending that embraces them. It is the ending of the latter that resolves the conflict between members of society and implies an orientation towards a more harmonious society.
Therefore, this article focuses on how this ending embraces a new resonance in today’s Korean society. The ending, in which the wealthy Heungbu rescues Nolbu, and the defeated Nolbu is given a chance to redeem himself, is highly suggestive of the conditions for restoring a harmonious society today, when the discourse of meritocracy spreads widely and social conflict and discord are intensifying day by day. When we consider an episode of the modern-day version of Heungbujeon in a recent popular drama, which is based on a true story, and the traditional thought for believing in the goodness of human nature, it suggests that Korean originally valued relational harmony as much as material well-being.
It is hoped that the discussion in this article confirms that Heungbujeon is a text that can help us reflect not only on the late Joseon Dynasty, but also on Korean society today, and that it can contribute to the discussion of the contemporary value of Korean classic literature.
KW - Heungbujeon;Characterization;Ending;Material Well-being;Relational Harmony;Materialism;Meritocracy;Korean Classic Literatere;Contemporary Value
DO - 10.52723/JKL.47.045
ER -
Haejin Lee. (2023). The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony. Journal of Korean Literature, 47, 45-74.
Haejin Lee. 2023, "The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony", Journal of Korean Literature, no.47, pp.45-74. Available from: doi:10.52723/JKL.47.045
Haejin Lee "The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony" Journal of Korean Literature 47 pp.45-74 (2023) : 45.
Haejin Lee. The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony. 2023; 47 : 45-74. Available from: doi:10.52723/JKL.47.045
Haejin Lee. "The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony" Journal of Korean Literature no.47(2023) : 45-74.doi: 10.52723/JKL.47.045
Haejin Lee. The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony. Journal of Korean Literature, 47, 45-74. doi: 10.52723/JKL.47.045
Haejin Lee. The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony. Journal of Korean Literature. 2023; 47 45-74. doi: 10.52723/JKL.47.045
Haejin Lee. The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony. 2023; 47 : 45-74. Available from: doi:10.52723/JKL.47.045
Haejin Lee. "The Contemporary Value of Heungbujeon from the Perspective of Material Well-being and Relational Harmony" Journal of Korean Literature no.47(2023) : 45-74.doi: 10.52723/JKL.47.045
