♦︎ Was a Public Opinion Poll Conducted During the Joseon Dynasty?

In the 12th year of King Sejong's reign, a public opinion poll was conducted regarding the pros and cons of a new tax law. After five months of visiting every household to directly solicit the people's opinions, 57% expressed support for the new tax law. Why did King Sejong conduct such an unconventional poll? And was the new tax law actually implemented according to the poll results? Officials expressed many opposing views, with the backlash from high-ranking officials being particularly fierce.

What countermeasures did King Sejong devise to counter the opposition from his ministers?

♦︎ CEO King Sejong's Unconventional Talent Management Strategy

King Sejong's talent management prioritized ability over social status or shortcomings. Figures such as Jang Yeong-sil, the greatest scientist of the Joseon Dynasty; Kim Jong-seo, well-known for pioneering the Four Garrisons and Six Fortresses; and Park Yeon, the key figure in music policy, created the splendid achievements of King Sejong's reign. Hwang Hui, praised as a brilliant prime minister, was one of the figures who opposed King Sejong's investiture of the Crown Prince to the very end, yet King Sejong entrusted him with the position of prime minister for 18 years. King Sejong devoted great effort not only to selecting talented individuals but also to nurturing them. He introduced the ‘Saga Dokseo’ system and institutionalized exceptional benefits, similar to the modern sabbatical system. We examine King Sejong’s talent management strategy, which spared no full support or trust for his talented individuals.

♦︎ Why did King Taejong choose Chungnyeong as his successor?

What was the reason King Taejong initiated the momentous event of replacing the Crown Prince? Grand Prince Yangnyeong had held the position of Crown Prince for 13 years and even managed state affairs on behalf of his father.

Why did King Taejong feel compelled to choose his third son, Chungnyeong (Sejong)?

Were the issues regarding Grand Prince Yangnyeong’s conduct, as is commonly known, the only reason? What image did King Sejong imprint on King Taejong as the next successor, as he sought to conclude the era of founding the dynasty and usher in an era of consolidation?

♦︎ Reconstructed Daily Life of King Sejong: “A King Who Was Never Lazy”

After King Sejong’s death, the court historian recorded in the Annals that he was a “King who was never lazy,” meaning he was a king who was never lazy for even a moment. King Sejong is said to have worked harder than any other monarch in history.

He slept an average of five hours a day, worked for a whopping ten hours, and was allocated five hours for study. However, due to excessive workload, King Sejong began to experience health problems early on.

King Sejong, who ushered in the most splendid era of the Joseon Dynasty, what was his personal life truly like?

♦︎ Create “Our” Music!

Although not widely known, music is the field that fully embodies the ideals King Sejong held as the King of Joseon. Musical scores composed by King Sejong remain in the Annals of King Sejong.

Why did King Sejong pay particular attention to music? He selected Park Yeon and devoted his heart and soul to the production of our own musical instruments. The fundamental recognition that we are different from China gave birth to our music alongside the creation of Hunminjeongeum. We examine the independence of King Sejong embodied in his music policy.

HD History Special Episode 45 – Sejong, Upgrading Joseon (Aired April 28, 2006)
http://history.kbs.co.kr/