The Confucian Kingship in Korea [Paperback]

JaHyun Kim Haboush (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 15, 2001 | Series: Studies in Asian Culture

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 Yôngjo, 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 of Yôngjo, and offers profound insights into the complex interplay between Confucian rhetoric and the politics of the Yi monarchy. Haboush focuses on the deteriorating relationship between Yôngjo and his only son, Crown Prince Sado, and relates the agonizing choices the Confucian ruler was forced to make between saving either his son or his dynasty. Originally published as A Heritage of Kings, this paperback edition contains a new preface reflecting new discoveries and updated scholarship in the field.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

JaHyun Kim Haboush is professor of Korean history and culture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is the editor and translator of The Memoirs of Lady Hyegông and a contributing editor of Culture and State in Late Chosôn Korea.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Columbia University Press (March 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0231066570
• ISBN-13: 978-0231066570
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,247,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating stories of the life and politics of King Yong-jo, March 14, 2009

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JC (USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Confucian Kingship in Korea (Paperback)

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.