What is the Story of Chunhyang?

Key Takeaways

• Chunhyangjeon is one of Korea’s most famous love stories.
• As the pansori tradition, Chunhyangga is an oral epic, performed with intense emotion and musical storytelling, accompanied by a drummer.
• The story centers around Chunhyang, a beautiful, young woman, and her love for Mongryong, a nobleman’s son.
• It’s all about love, loyalty, courage, and, of course, a bit of drama!

The Meeting

Chunhyang and Mongryong meet in Namwon, where she’s the daughter of a retired courtesan and he’s the son of a high-ranking official.

They fall in love at first sight and secretly pledge themselves to each other in a private ceremony.

Mongryong must eventually leave for the capital to take his civil service exam, and they promise to stay true to each other until he returns.

The Villain

With Mongryong gone, the new local governor, Byeon Hakdo, arrives in town.

When he notices Chunhyang’s beauty, he demands her affection, but she refuses because of her love for Mongryong.

Enraged by her loyalty to another man, Byeon Hakdo has her imprisoned and even tortured for defying him.

The Comeback

Meanwhile, Mongryong, now a successful government official, returns to Namwon in disguise to assess the corruption in the province.

When he discovers Chunhyang’s imprisonment, he reveals himself in a dramatic twist, bringing justice to Byeon Hakdo and reuniting with Chunhyang.

Happily Ever After

The tale ends with the two lovers finally able to be together openly, celebrating their love and Chunhyang’s unbreakable loyalty.

The Tale of Chunhyang remains a symbol of love and the power of standing up for what’s right.

Supporting Characters: Bangja & Hyangdan

According to the Maeil Business News article, tvN released a 22-minute full version of “Chunhyangjeon,” where Jeongnyeon (Kim Tae-ri) is playing Bangja.

Bangja is Mongryong’s loyal servant. He often helps Mongryong meet with Chunhyang, acting as the middleman between the two lovers. While Mongryong is noble and serious, Bangja is portrayed as a humorous, down-to-earth character who serves as comic relief.

Hyangdan is Chunhyang’s servant and confidante. She stands by Chunhyang during the tough times, especially after Mongryong leaves. Hyangdan’s loyalty to Chunhyang adds to the depth of friendship in the story and shows the bonds between women in traditional Korean society.