Pak Un, a Talented Poet of the 15th Century

Born into an aristocratic family, Pak Un, who was exceptionally intelligent and had a talent for writing from his childhood, was highly regarded by many literary writers of future generations for his truthful reflection of the social reality of the period and his creation of excellent poems in terms of ideology and artistic value.

In the year when he was 17, Pak Un passed the state examination and started his career as an official. He always spoke the truth in his life and had a strong character.

Due to this strong character and stand, he was even sent into prison by the morale of the conservative group including Rue Ja Gwang who had been in power with Lord Yon San.

With a desire to put the world right, Pak Un was appointed to Jijegyo (official rank), but next year, after the purge of Confucian scholars in Gapza year (the Year of the Rat), he met with a calamity and was exiled. He was imprisoned again in less than 100 days and was executed at a young age.

His political stand and strong humanity can be clearly known from the fact that he had never changed his face even before his death and only smiled looking up the sky.

Pak Un, a talented poet, didn’t have a long time in his creative activities, but his name was handed down to posterity for his outstanding creative talent.

His literature "Upchuihonyugo" is being handed down.