Memoirs of a Korean Queen (Korean Culture Series)

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Summary: Shakespearean tragedy in 18th-century Korea
Review: Lady Hong, the grandmother of the King of Korea, recounts the terrible story of her young life: chosen from a group of Korean girls to marry the Crown Prince at the age of eight, she watches him slide into madness and rivalry with his father. The Prince's malady first shows itself as peculiar concern about clothing, and later turns to violent behavior towards his staff; finally to a life-and-death struggle with his father. The story itself is riveting,and is accompanied by fascinating details about the daily life of a traditional Korean aristocrat.

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Summary: The true Korean royalty: a first person account
Review: Memoirs of a Korean Queen is a first person historical account about the Imo Incident (July 11, 1762). This novel was written over an eleven-year period by Lady Hong, the wife of Prince Sado, to show her grandson, King Sunjo, that her family was not at fault for the death of Prince Sado. Although she does not outright say that it is King Yongjo's fault for Prince Sado's death, she certainly implies that it is the King's fault because of his inadequacy as a father. Also, this novel is a fine example of Confucian values that were set forth in that time of Korea. It is these Confucian values that gave her the strength to continue; while at the same time it rendered her powerless.