Noble Blood: The King's Alphabet
Episode Overview Noble Blood, a compelling podcast produced by iHeartRadio and Grim & Mild, delves into the intricate and often tumultuous histories of royal figures. In the episode titled "The King's Alphabet," host Dana Schwartz unpacks the fascinating story surrounding King Sejong the Great of Korea and his monumental creation of the Hangul alphabet. Released on April 22, 2025, this episode intertwines historical narrative with contemporary drama, highlighting the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s most ingenious writing systems.
1. The Quest for a National Treasure The episode opens with the gripping tale of Jun Hyungpil, a dedicated collector of Korean antiques, who in 1940 embarks on a mission to acquire the Huminjungam Hera—a seminal document detailing King Sejong's creation of Hangul. Amidst Japanese imperial suppression of Korean culture, Jun's acquisition of this document underscores the profound significance of Hangul in preserving Korean identity.
"Jun Hyungpil saved an artifact not only crucial to Korean history but also to our understanding of one of humanity's most ingenious creations."
— Dana Schwartz [05:45]
2. King Sejong the Great: A Visionary Monarch Dana Schwartz provides an in-depth look at King Sejong the Great, the fourth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, who reigned from 1418 to 1450. Comparable to George Washington in American history, King Sejong is revered for prioritizing the welfare of his subjects.
"If the people prosper, how can the King not prosper with them? And if the people do not prosper, how may the King prosper without them."
— Dana Schwartz [10:20]
3. The Invention of Hangul: A Revolutionary Leap King Sejong's crowning achievement, the creation of Hangul, marked a paradigm shift in literacy and communication. Unlike other writing systems that evolved organically over centuries, Hangul was meticulously designed with a clear theoretical foundation. This innovation not only simplified writing for the masses but also empowered them to express their thoughts freely.
"Hangul is the first Alphabet of its kind. There's a systemic reasoning behind each facet of the script, and we know all of those reasons."
— Dana Schwartz [18:30]
4. Resistance from the Elites and the Decline of Hangul Despite its merits, Hangul faced staunch opposition from the Korean elite, who were accustomed to the dominance of Chinese characters. Their reluctance to adopt Hangul stemmed from fear of losing their privileged status and control over literacy and education.
"The new Alphabet is so easily understood, I fear that the people will fall into laziness and never make efforts to learn."
— Choy Manley, Associate Professor [20:15]
King Sejong's steadfast commitment to Hangul led him to publish royal edicts in both Chinese and Hangul and integrate Hangul into state examinations. However, after his death in 1450, Hangul's prominence waned, relegated to the fringes of society and dismissed with derogatory nicknames such as "the women's script" and "the children's script."
5. The Resilience of Hangul: Guardians of the Alphabet Despite official disapproval, Hangul survived through the dedication of various societal groups. Women across all social strata, Buddhist monks, and later Christian missionaries played pivotal roles in preserving and promoting Hangul. Literary renaissances and the emergence of Hangul novels in the 16th and 17th centuries further cemented its place in Korean culture.
"Artists were also beneficiaries of Sejong's support, resulting in the creation of hundreds of new musical compositions and the invention of a new musical instrument."
— Dana Schwartz [22:50]
6. The Rediscovery and Controversy of a Second Copy The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the 2008 discovery of a second copy of the Huminjungam Hera by Bae Ikji, a rare book collector. This find was monumental, as it provided new insights into the early interpretations of Hangul. However, the discovery quickly became mired in legal disputes when the original seller claimed Bae had illicitly acquired the document.
7. Legal Battles and the Fate of the Huminjungam Hera Bae's ownership of the second copy led to a series of legal confrontations. Initially convicted of theft, Bae was exonerated by the Supreme Court. Nonetheless, the antique dealer won the civil case, demanding the return of the document. Despite a formal donation to the Cultural Heritage Administration (CHA) by the dealer, the document remains elusive, hidden away by Bae amidst allegations of theft and even surviving a fire purportedly intended to destroy it.
"Despite many attempts by the CHA to recover it, negotiations between Bae and the CHA over the document are still ongoing."
— Jenna Bush Hager [24:30]
8. The Ongoing Saga and Its Implications The unresolved status of the Huminjungam Hera highlights the vulnerabilities of cultural artifacts and the lengths to which individuals will go to possess them. The CHA continues to seek the document, valuing it as a critical piece of Korea's linguistic heritage.
9. Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Hangul Despite centuries of adversity, Hangul triumphs as a symbol of Korean resilience and intellectual achievement. Its widespread adoption post-Japanese colonial rule and South Korea's impressive literacy rates stand as testaments to King Sejong's vision.
"Anyone who has something they wish to put into words is now able to express their feelings in writing. Keep listening after a brief sponsor break to hear about the current court case..."
— Dana Schwartz [25:50]
Key Takeaways
- King Sejong's Vision: His creation of Hangul was driven by a desire to democratize literacy and empower the Korean populace.
- Cultural Resilience: Hangul's survival underscores the importance of collective effort in preserving cultural heritage.
- Contemporary Relevance: The ongoing disputes over the Huminjungam Hera reflect the challenges in safeguarding historical artifacts in the modern age.
Notable Quotes
- "If the people prosper, how can the King not prosper with them?" — Dana Schwartz [10:20]
- "Hangul is the first Alphabet of its kind." — Dana Schwartz [18:30]
- "The new Alphabet is so easily understood, I fear that the people will fall into laziness." — Choy Manley [20:15]
- "Anyone who has something they wish to put into words is now able to express their feelings in writing." — Dana Schwartz [25:50]
Noble Blood masterfully intertwines historical depth with narrative intrigue, offering listeners both educational insights and captivating storytelling. Through the lens of King Sejong's alphabet, the episode celebrates the enduring power of language as a tool for cultural identity and societal advancement.