The Story of Hong Gildong

Minsoo Kang's translation of the longest of the extant copies of The Story of Hong Gildong successfully makes the Korean tale accessible to modern Anglophone readers. The introduction to the text also persuasively makes the case for a relatively recent composition of the story in the 19th century (or possibly late 18th century). Instead of Kim Taejun's attempts to read the tale as subversive of Joseon mores and conventions, it actually is a rather traditional story bemoaning the plight of "secondary" sons. But like so many "traditional" tales, the protagonist, Hong Gildong, ends up becoming king of "Annam" and rules as an ideal king after leading a band of robbers in Joseon. 

The main problem and frustration of Hong Gildong was the discrimination against low-born children of yangban, who could not serve in high positions in the administration and military. There is also a general critique of provincial government corruption and exploitation of the lower classes, but it is hard to read this Robin Hood-like character as being revolutionary or ushering in a new society. It is immersed in a world where Confucian, Buddhist, Daoist, and classical Chinese texts are referenced by Hong Gildong and where magic and miraculous events occur in favor of the protagonist. All the world needs is to recognize the talent and merit of those born to concubines and ensure proper kingship and the five relationships. 

As to be expected, there is not much characterization and the plot moves rapidly along. This reader was actually reminded of the Alexander Romance, a somewhat similar tale of wonders and exploration as Alexander the Great traversed the known world and beyond. Some of the episodes are entertaining, there are moments of magic and amusing episodes with shamans and physiognomists. One can see why the character became something of a folk-hero and its legacy persists to this day.