I Humbly Beseech You to Repel Them with an Iron Mace (1)

In actual history, Jeong Chang-son said to Sejong, ‘The people are dogs and pigs, so no matter how much you teach them, you will never produce loyal subjects, filial sons, or virtuous women.’

When Sejong heard those words, his body was suffering from all manner of complications due to advanced diabetes, and he had even gone blind from overwork.

Thus, although the ministers of the time may have found Sejong’s purpose in creating Hangul somewhat objectionable, they did not oppose it...

According to the Annals, only the scholars of the Hall of Worthies stepped forward to remonstrate, saying, ‘Creating this script is out of the question.’ And they had their own serious reasons.

Creating a script unique to Joseon instead of using Chinese characters meant willingly becoming barbarians like the Mongols, Jurchens, and Japanese. If Ming learned that Joseon had created a script of its own, it might misunderstand and believe that Joseon had abandoned Ming.

Historians say that Sejong too found it difficult to completely refute the Hall of Worthies scholars’ arguments, so he forced the matter through, even ordering that they be detained in Uigeumbu for a day.

Nor was there anyone else who boldly stepped forward and declared, ‘There is no reason to teach the people, for they are dogs and pigs.’

Yet even Jeong Chang-son, who had joined Sejo’s side during the Gyeyujeongnan coup and risen to Chief State Councilor, was not entirely careless.

‘If I recklessly reveal my true feelings, I could lose my head.’

“How could a petty low-ranking official like me dare to offer an opinion on the nation’s grand plans?”...