The Strange Story Behind King Sejong and His 87-Year-Old Minister
On a fall day in Seoul, it is easy to find King Sejong. He is sitting in the middle of Gwanghwamun Square, looking toward the heart of the city. Every year, as October 9 approaches, people naturally think of Hangul when they see his statue. King Sejong is, above all, remembered as the king who created Hunminjeongeum, the writing system that became Hangul. But there is another side of Sejong worth looking at. It has less to do with letters and more to do with people. Sejong had a long career as a king. During that time, he worked with many officials, scholars, scientists, and administrators. One of the most remarkable was Hwang Hee, a senior minister who eventually remained in government until he was 87 years old. The strange part is that Hwang Hee was not always on Sejong's side. In fact, before Sejong became king, Hwang Hee had opposed the decision to replace Crown Prince Yangnyeong with Chungnyeong, the prince who would become King Sejong. Yet years later, Sejong brought Hwang He...