Lessons Learned through the Adventurous Exploration of Gan Yi's Life 

A fair and just evaluation of a person's life is not only confined to the time they lived but should continuously evolve over the years. This evolution should be based on the mutual cross-verification of objective facts through various documents, forming a balanced and objective assessment grounded in the Spirit of the Age.

In this sense, my personal curiosity led me to embark on a study of Gan Yi (崔岦 (최립), 1539-1612) around 2010, a figure I believe qualifies as the "Renaissance Man of Chosun" over the past ten years. The assessments of Gan Yi as a "unique genius" varied, catching my attention, as did the paradoxical national attitude of urgently summoning him during crises like the Imajin War despite dismissing his family's humble background.

Being neither an expert nor conducting formal research, my occasional exploration of related materials has been fueled by pure personal curiosity. Fortunately, more materials have been translated into Korean, making them more accessible to the public than before.

In summarizing the adventurous life of Gan Yi, a Chosun scholar, politician, and diplomat, I would like to share some lessons I personally derived from his turbulent life.

Gan Yi was recognized as one of Chosun's eight poets during the reign of Seonjo, alongside Yi I, Lee San-hae, Choe Kyung-chang, Baek Kwang-hong, Yun Tak-yeon, Song Ik-pil, and Lee Soon-in. Known for his outstanding poetic talent and adopting a unique prose style, he was adept at the Song Seol style of calligraphy. It is said that he admired the writings of Gu Yangsu from China throughout his life and initially admired the works of Ban Go and Han Yu.

Despite being labeled as a "unique genius," Gan Yi's life revealed him as an extraordinary hard worker and voracious reader. He diligently read and assimilated numerous books throughout his challenging life, never allowing it to be a smooth journey.

Regarding his approach to learning, he stated:

策問(책문) 就爲學上言之(취위학상언지) 其目有四(기목유사) 曰存養也(왈존양야) 省察也(성찰야) 致知也(치지야) 力行也(역행야).

Ask yourself! Regarding the methodology of learning, There are four aspects: First, cultivate a good character to keep your original intention. Second, deeply reflect and examine oneself. Third, strive to understand the principles of things. Fourth, put forth effort to practice all these.

The fact that Gan Yi, during his six years as a resident monk in Jinju, composed only one poem speaks volumes about the meticulous planning and effort he invested in his writing.

He made significant contributions to the active localization of foreign cultural relics, establishing Chosun's unique prose style by moving away from the Chinese essay style. His achievements are well-documented in the book "Selected Essays of Gan Yi" written by Professor Kim Woo-jung of Dankook University.

Gan Yi was praised for his poetry and was considered a significant figure in the early days of the Chosun Dynasty. He wrote extensively on various subjects and engaged with contemporary critics. Despite some criticisms of his writing style being cumbersome and challenging, his works were included in several private collections, including Dongmun Palga Seon (東文八家選).

This unconventional recognition during his time, considering the predominant focus on Chinese literature, is noteworthy. Gan Yi also left a mark on poetry, earning accolades for his poems. 

Choi Rip also gained recognition for his poetry. His poems exhibit an intricate and refined style influenced by Hwang Jeong-gyeon and Jin Sa-do. Interestingly, figures like Heo Gyun and Hong Man-jong considered his poetry superior to his prose. Personally, I have a deep affection for the poems where he expresses his sentiments while observing nature. I would like to share with you one of his poems, "After the Rain."

雨後 / After the Rain

朝來風急雨濛濛 錦繡千林一半空 已作漫山秋色了 殘紅與泛碧溪中 《晉陽錄》

From morning, a brisk wind and drizzling rain, Half of the brocade-covered thousand woods are now empty. Autumn colors have filled the mountains, Remaining red leaves float in the rippling azure stream. <<"Records of Jin Yang">>

Choi Rip was a pioneer in the field of art criticism, establishing a new horizon in what could be compared to contemporary art criticism. He had a keen interest in poetry, calligraphy, and painting, excelling, particularly in prose. Although originally from Hanyang, he settled in Gaeseong, and along with Chacheon-ro and Hanh (Han Seok-bong), both natives of Gaeseong, he was collectively known as the "Three Prodigies of Songdo." This title was a result of his extensive knowledge and outstanding critical sense.

Unquestionably, he earned the title of the "First Diplomat in the Joseon Era." Through four diplomatic missions to China during the Imajin War, he primarily managed diplomatic negotiations with China. He laid the groundwork for the first complete system of diplomatic documents in Joseon. These valuable documents should be well-preserved and organized for modern diplomatic purposes. Chinese officials admired his writings, with some even claiming to wash their hands, purify their hearts and bodies, and read his writings with great reverence.

Choi Rip demonstrated strong resilience in the face of adversity. Despite achieving top scores twice in the civil service examination, he spent most of his life in external service positions. He was repeatedly called upon by the royal court during wars or urgent diplomatic matters. However, he never succumbed to the persistent political and social issues of Joseon, devoting his life silently to his homeland. His numerous poems vividly express his sentiments and perspectives.

He was a meticulous record-keeper, documenting every aspect of his life through poems, essays, personal reflections, official documents, and compilations. These diverse records, often essential for historical research, have left us with an irreplaceable cultural heritage.

Choi Rip was not only a loyal public servant but also a loving family person. His profound sentiments are particularly evident in his poetry. As a scholar of the Yulgok Yi Yi school, he had frequent interactions with prominent figures such as Heo Gyun, Heo Jun, and Han Seok-bong. He maintained close friendships, even exchanging heartfelt poetry with Heo Jun when he returned victorious after completing Dongui Bogam.

The historical evaluation of Choi Rip remains an ongoing process and will continue in the future. This summary is based on my personal understanding derived from various historical materials, including the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Tongcheon Choi Clan Collection, Tongcheon Choi Clan Genealogy written by the scholar Geowan Choi Yong-gyu, and Choi Rip's "Ganijip," which has been meticulously translated into Korean by Professor Lee Sang-hyeon.

Choi Rip was an individual who dedicated his entire life to breaking away from imitation and replication of Chinese culture, striving to create a unique and innovative culture exclusive to Joseon. He stood as a solitary Confucian scholar leading Joseon's Renaissance, aiming to create a new Zeitgeist for his era. His talents spanned a broad spectrum, excelling in Confucian studies, language, literature (essays and classical Chinese poetry), calligraphy, art criticism, divination, history, and serving as a skilled diplomat and administrator.

In many ways, Choi Rip made bold and innovative attempts to establish a distinctive cultural system for Joseon. Even today, over 400 years later, his foresight appears to have laid the groundwork for the globalization of Korean culture. His daring and innovative efforts should be considered a visionary contribution to the world of Korean culture. Despite the challenges, Choi Rip's dreams and ideals, preserved throughout his life, should be further developed, and refined by future generations.

Choi Rip's interdisciplinary research and integration, encompassing the humanities (文史哲), were executed around 400 years ago, making him a scholar ahead of his time. His endeavors to create a unique cultural framework for Joseon's culture are thought to have provided the foundation for the globalization of Korean culture even today.

A thorough, comprehensive, and fair study of Choi Rip should be conducted by experts in the field. Fortunately, many of his writings have miraculously survived the numerous wars, and their meticulous analysis should lead to the publication and open discussion of research findings. This ongoing evaluation will contribute to a more impartial and objective understanding of Choi Rip.

In conclusion, Choi Rip's profound influence on Joseon's cultural development and his role as a pioneer in shaping a unique cultural identity merit further exploration and recognition. As we reflect on his legacy, we should strive to appreciate and build upon his dreams, ideals, and contributions to Joseon and Korean culture.

January 31, 2024

Solti

References:

Translated works of Ganijip by Choi Rip, translated by Lee Sang-hyeon, Minjokmunhwa Chujinhoi, South Korea, 1999-2002.

Ganijip (Selected Essays) by Choi Rip, translated by Kim Woo-jung, Jisigeulmandeuneun Jisik, South Korea, Seoul, 2012.

Tongcheon Choi Clan Memorial, compiled by Goan Choi Yong-gyu, Tongcheon Choi Clan Historical Materials Compilation Committee, Gukje Printing, South Korea, Haenam, 1994.

Choi Rip (1539-1612), Figures of Yugo Studies, Yulgokhaksaeng, 2015.

Korean National Culture Encyclopedia Dictionary.

Choi Rip, Wikipedia, Our Everyone's Encyclopedia.

한글 번역: https://www.ktown1st.com/blog/VALover/13768