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Uhwudong

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Korean noblewoman (1442–1480)
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For the 1985 film, see Eoudong (film).
Uhwudong
Hangul어우동, 어을우동
Hanja於宇同, 於乙宇同
Revised RomanizationEoudong, Eoeurudong
McCune–ReischauerŎudong, Ŏŭrudong
Birth name
Hangul박구마
Hanja朴丘麻
Revised RomanizationBak Guma
McCune–ReischauerPak Kuma

Eowudong or Uhwudong (Korean: 어우동; Hanja: 於宇同; 1442 – 18 October 1480), also known as Eoeuludong (어을우동; 於乙宇同), née Park (박; 朴), was a Korean dancer, writer, artist, and poet from a noble family in the Joseon period of the 15th century. Most of her work has not been preserved. She is described to be one of the evil women from the Joseon Dynasty along with Queen Munjeong, Jang Nok-su, and Royal Noble Consort Hui.

Biography

Born as Park Gu-ma (박구마; 朴丘麻), Uhwudong was from a noble family, the Eumseong Park clan (음성 박씨; 陰城 朴氏), of the Joseon Dynasty. She married Yi Dong, Prince Taegang (태강수 이동, 泰江守 李仝), the great-grandson of Queen Wongyeong and King Taejong. She was forced to divorce him on account of adultery charges and subsequently she became an active poet, writer, artist, and dancer.

She was noted for her exceptional beauty, dancing, singing talent, poetry, quick wit and charm, and extraordinary intellect.

Sex scandal and execution

In 1480, she was put on trial for adultery. She was charged with having committed adultery with multiple male partners, including royal relatives, court officials and slaves.

During this time period, the position of women deteriorated in Korea with the introduction of Confucian gender segregation, and there was an increasing severity in the persecution of women who committed adultery, and particularly noblewomen. Several such cases are known, such as those of Yu Gam-dong, who was sentenced to become a slave kisaeng, and Geumeumdong and Dongja, both noblewomen who were punished for having committed adultery with male relatives. Yi Gu-ji was also an example of committing adultery. The case of Uhwudong was however the perhaps most infamous of all, and became a famous scandal involving many men of high standing. The case ended with her conviction and execution. The death penalty for female adultery was formally introduced by King Jungjong in 1513.

Family

  • Father
    • Park Yun-chang (박윤창; 朴允昌; 1420 – ?)
  • Mother
    • Jeong Gwi-deok (정귀덕; 鄭貴德; ? – 20 June 1488)
  • Sibling(s)
    • Older brother - Park Seong-geun (박성근; 朴成根; 1440 – 22 August 1488)
  • Husband
    • Yi Dong (이동; 李仝)
      • Father-in-law - Yi Jeong, Prince Yeongcheon (영천군 정; 1422 – ?)
      • Mother-in-law - Princess Consort Kwon of the Yecheon Kwon clan (군부인 예천 권씨)
  • Children
    • Daughter - Yi Beon-jwa (이번좌; 1462 – ?)
    • Unnamed son

In popular culture

References

  1. ^ Pae-yong Yi: Women in Korean History 한국 역사 속의 여성들
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