Korea’s Reforms in Chong Hasang’s and Pak Chehyung’s Works Research Paper

Introduction

The study of historical events involves a careful examination of different viewpoints. This approach allows for a complete understanding of events and not be biased against certain historical personalities. The nineteenth and early twentieth centuries played an important role in Korea’s development and largely determined its future for many decades. The essay will cover the relationship between Catholicism and Confucianism, as well as the academic and political life of the country. Despite considerable difficulties, many Koreans have chosen the path of democratic values, and that significantly strengthened their own traditions, which would have been erased without the efforts made by historical and cultural figures.

Basic Introductory Background

Chong Hasang, one of the famous Korean writers, sought to use his abilities and knowledge to promote and protect Catholicism. He lived from 1795 to 1839, when he was arrested for his views on the Korean system.¹ According to Halbach, “Paul Chong Hasang was a lay missionary who channeled his diplomatic abilities into setting up the first Catholic vicariate, or territorial jurisdiction, in Korea”.² Notably, the defense of Catholicism was so crucial to Hasang that he decided to write a letter to the King in which he asked that Confucianism and Catholicism were compatible.³ Despite his efforts, the King rejected the letter and ordered the execution of Paul. It is important to emphasize that the same fate was with the father of Hasang.

Like Chong Hasan, another Korean writer Pak Chehyung also touched on religious issues and discussed issues of Confucianism and other aspects of life in Korea in his text, Political Reforms of The Taewongun. The activities of Chehyung were closely related to Japan. In 1882 he was a member of the official delegation of Korea to Japan.⁴ He is also the author of Mirror of Korean Politics in the Recent Period.⁵ Chehyung has devoted his activities to many aspects of the life of his country, such as education and religion.

Arguing and Prompting

The historical context that produced the writings is negative attitude towards Catholics. The text of Chong Hasang, The Persecution of Catholicism, relates to the book Sources of Korean Tradition. The text argues about how people perceive Catholicism. The author uses a diplomatic approach to explain his views and prove that this belief does not bring evil. As Chong states, “but not even one official took the time to find out what Catholicism is all about. This is really a pity”.⁶ Hence, the text argues with the opinion that Catholicism harms Confucianism. In addition, since this circumstance prompted the author to write this text, it is necessary to emphasize the negative attitude towards Catholics. The author highlights that many Confucians perceive Catholics as a threat to themselves and their families.

In his text, Pak Chehyung argues about the use of academies by individuals as a self-benefit. The evidence can be found in the chapter 27 which is called Domestic disquiet and foreign threats.⁷ Chehyung writes about the fact that in Korean academies, people can comprehend real Confucianism and learn the stories of scholars.⁸ Using the abovementioned factors, the author stresses the inadmissibility of involving academia in political and other processes that can harm education. As for the event that prompted Chehyung to write this text, one should consider the case of Taewongun, a man who used the academy for his purposes. As Chehyung states, “he, therefore, issued an order to abolish all academies and expel all Confucian scholars from them”.⁹ This case became critical and was the reason Pak Chehyung wrote his text.

Underlying Assumptions

In the text A Confucian Defense of Catholicism by Chong Hasang, the underlying assumption is that if people wanted to see the truth, they would change their attitude toward many things. An example of this is the direct condemnation of people by the author of the text for their bias against Catholicism. On the other hand, the underlying assumption of Political Reforms of The Taewongun by Pak Chehyung is the need to establish some control in society to prevent certain people from taking power.¹⁰ The author suggests that if such laws and regulations were in place, people like Taewongun would not be able to use various tools, such as academies, for their benefit.

Writings and the Authors’ Views

In both cases, the texts highlight the authors’ desire to improve their lives in the society they live in. Texts reveal that the authors’ views have a tendency towards democratization and openness to other cultures and all-round development. In addition, they emphasize the authors’ priorities, which are expressed in the importance of educational institutions for educating people and teaching them the truths of Confucianism.¹¹ Hence, texts demonstrate authors’ views that imply a move towards progress and development.

Analyzing the Authors Arguments

The authors make these arguments because of the significant desire for justice and the development of society. Emphasizing the importance of each of the topics discussed by the authors, they point to certain shortcomings and possible solutions. Such rhetoric is justified by the fact that such democratic changes, such as equating Catholicism to Confucianism, will bring people happiness and advantages for many generations to come.¹² On the other hand, emphasizing the importance of academia and an exemplary power structure, the texts affirm the possibility of educating existing standards, including religious ones.

Connection Between Two Texts

In his text, Chong Hasang emphasizes the importance of considering other religious faiths as essential to development. He encourages people to try to understand Catholics and not to see them as enemies. On the other hand, Pak Chehyung sees academies and educational institutions not only as an opportunity to preserve traditions but also to improve Confucianism education.¹³ First, improving one’s legacy and second, moving towards a new experience in the person of Catholicism.¹⁴ Although these paths are different, it is essential to emphasize that both texts call for forward movement rather than stagnation. Therefore, the Koreans made sense of their changing times by considering different opportunities without losing their roots and traditions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to emphasize that the texts written by Chong Hasang and Pak Chehyung reflect the problems and experiences of Korea of that period. Provocative and interesting is the fact that both authors, despite the danger hanging over them, could not remain silent and fought for the truth and the rights of their people. Following their views and principles, each author raises issues that concern him. However, both Hasang and Chehyung are driven by a desire for development and preach openness and justice for their people. Their texts depict the evils of the people and are confident that getting rid of them will bring Koreans prosperity and harmony.

References

Baker, Don, and Rausch, Franklin. 2018. Catholics and Anti-Catholicism in Chosŏn Korea. University of Hawaii Press: Honolulu.

Chehyung, Pak. 2022. Political Reforms of The Taewongun. Columbia University Press.

Chong, Hasan. 2022. A Confucian Defense of Catholicism. Columbia University Press.

Halbach, Deacon. 2022. They Saw Through God’s Eyes: An Invitation from Mary and the Saints. The Word Among Us Press: Maryland.

Footnotes

1. Hasang, Chong, A Confucian Defense of Catholicism (Columbia University Press, 2022), 139.
2. Halbach, Deacon, They Saw Through God’s Eyes: An Invitation from Mary and the Saints (Maryland: The Word Among Us Press, 2022), 24.
3. Chong, A Confucian Defense, 140.
4. Pak, Chehyung, Political Reforms of The Taewongun (Columbia University Press, 2022), 218.
5. Chehyung, Political Reforms, 220.
6. Chong, A Confucian Defense, 138.
7. Chehyung, Political Reforms, 219.
8. Chehyung, Political Reforms, 218
9. Chehyung, Political Reforms, 218.
10. Chehyung, Political Reforms, 220.
11. Chehyung, Political Reforms, 220.
12. Baker, Don, and Rausch, Franklin, Catholics and Anti-Catholicism in Chosŏn Korea (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 2018), 107.
13. Chong, A Confucian Defense, 138.
14. Chehyung, Political Reforms, 216.