The Tale of Chunhyang
The Tale of Chunhyang
The Tale of Chunhyang
Chunhyang refuses all Pyon's attempt to seduce her and adamantly repeats the Confucian
maxim for womanly virtue, "A servant cannot serve two masters, a wife cannot serve two
husbands!" Enraged, Pyon has her beaten and thrown into prison.
Meanwhile, Mongnyong has finished his studies and passes the Confucian Examination with the
highest accolade. He is given his choice of any job. Mongnyong chooses to become the Secret
Royal Inspector who must travel the countryside incognito and expose corrupt governors and
officials. In the disguise of a beggar, he makes it back to his hometown. His mother in law sees
Mongnyong in tattered rags and looks at him with disdain, as if to say "How dare you show up
like that!" She escorts him to Chunhyang's cell where they are reunited. She is scheduled to be
executed the following morning.
Although happy at being reunited, Chunhyang is also saddened by Mongnyong's appearance.
Selflessly, Chunhyang says to her mother, 'when I die, sell all my clothes and possessions. Buy
my husband the finest clothes to wear and a ring to put on his finger.' They part once more, and
Mongnyong goes off into the night.
The next morning Pyon holds a great feast in honor of his birthday. Chunhyang is brought out
and is asked if she will become his concubine. She refuses and is sentenced to death. Just
before she is killed a beggar appears and says, 'stop.' He then takes off his costume and shows
his royal inspector's seal. He saves Chunhyang and punishes Pyon. They live happily ever after.