Heo Gyun

Heo Gyun was a prominent figure in the late Joseon period, who advocated for social change and cultural innovation. He was born into a yangban (noble) family, but he was critical of the rigid Confucian hierarchy and the corruption of the government. He was influenced by Buddhism, Taoism, and Catholicism, and he sought to reform the civil service examination system and the status of the concubine-born children. He was also a prolific writer, who produced poems, essays, and novels. He is widely credited as the author of The Tale of Hong Gildong, one of the earliest novels in Korean literature, which tells the story of an illegitimate son of a nobleman who becomes a heroic outlaw. Heo Gyun also wrote poems under various pen names, such as Gyosan, Seongso, and Baekwolgeosa. He expressed his political views and personal feelings in his poems, which often used unconventional forms and styles. Heo Gyun had a turbulent political career, as he was involved in several factions and feuds. He served in various positions, such as the Minister of the Board of Punishment and the State Councillor, but he was also exiled several times for his radical ideas and actions. He was ultimately executed on charges of treason during the reign of Prince Gwanghae, who was his former ally and patron. Heo Gyun’s legacy is still controversial, as some view him as a visionary reformer and a literary genius, while others regard him as a traitor and a heretic.