Now that we are all recovering from rolling our clocks forward (at least here in the US), we can rejoice in knowing that spring is near! I was actually in Chicago this past weekend and was totally delighted by the "don't need to wear a coat after all" weather. It was in the upper 60s and low 70s, and my 8-year-old nephew and I ran around outdoors without our jackets.
I was in Chicago for two reasons: (a) to celebrate my father's 82nd birthday, and (b) to visit the “Korean National Treasures: 2,000 Years of Art“ exhibition at the Art Institute. I was invited by Samsung, whose family donated this incredible collection, to view some of the most extraordinary pieces of art originating from Korea. Among the first two portraits I saw were of women: one of a Korean courtesan and another of a plain Korean woman threshing grains with a baby swaddled to her back. I found both of them surprisingly moving and I was reminded that March is not only the harbinger of spring, but also Women's History Month.
So, today, I thought I'd share 5 women from Korean history who helped to shape the nation that brings us K-beauty, K-pop, and K-dramas.
Queen Seondeok - The Empress of Silla.
The Silla Dynasty last for nearly 1000 years from 57 BC to AD 935, and Queen Seondeok ruled from 632 to 647 CE. She was one of the first female monarchs in East Asian history. By ascending to her throne, she proved that the seat was not reserved exclusively for men. She was also a champion for scholastic achievement and science. Indeed, one of Korea's oldest astronomical observatories, Cheomseongdae, is believed to have been built during her reign. You can still see the observatory in Gyeongju today.
Queen Munjeong - The Power Behind the Curtain.
During the more recent Joseon Dynasty, Queen Munjeong served as regent for her soon, who inherited the throne when his father, King Jungjong, died in 1544. Because he was too young to serve as a ruler himself, his mother, the Queen, governed the country on his behalf. Her governance lasted nearly a decade, skillfully navigating the factional politics that prevailed within the palace.
Shin Saimdang - Artist, Poet, and Cultural Icon.
Widely viewed as one of Korea's greatest female artists of all time, Shin Saimdang lived during the 16th century. She was a painter, calligrapher, and poet, often depicting elements of the natural world (fruit, insects, plants, animals). She was known for doing so with exquisite life-like detail.
Yu Gwan-sun - Teenaged Leader of Korea's Independence Movement.
Yu Gwan-sun is a legendary badass. In 1919, 9 years after Japan brutally annexed Korea, she became the unlikely leader behind the March 1st Movement--a powerful protest against Japan and a step towards independence. She helped organize the protests in her hometown and was ultimately arrested and jailed. She continued to advocate for independence from prison, where she died at 18 years old.
Kim Hwal-lan - Pioneer of Women's Education.
Why is Kim Hwal-lan so awesome? She was the first Korean woman, ever, to earn a PhD. She also served as the President of Ewha Womans University from 1939 to 1961, one of the world's LARGEST women's universities. Her whole life was about expanding educational opportunities for Korean women when such opportunities barely existed. She took up the torch lit by Queen Seondeok, all those many centuries ago, to ensure other women could follow in their footsteps.
I love the idea that these women helped to build the country that birthed the women in my own family. And, not gonna lie, reading up on their stories makes me want to get knee-deep in a K-drama RIGHT NOW!!
