I lived from 1418-1456. I was from Korea, and am in the Asian category.
Song Sammun (1418-1456) was a prominent Confucian scholar and member of the Korean Royal Academy during the reign of King Sejong of the Choson dynasty. He wrote poetry under two pen names: Kunbo ("Respectful Beginning") and Maejuk-hon ("Plum and Bamboo Leaves"). As Cultural Minister, he presided over the creation of Hanguel (Hangul), the Korean alphabet. Previously, Koreans had used a laborious script based on Chinese characters. The new alphabet of 28 characters (later reduced to 26) was based on the unique phonetic characteristics of the spoken Korean language. Published by King Sejong as a Royal Decree in 1446, Hanguel revolutionized the writing of Korean literature and inspired a renaissance of Korean culture. After Sejong's death, his grandson Tanjong, the legitimate heir, was usurped in a coup by Sejo. Song (just 39 years old) was suspected of plotting to restore the deposed heir and was put to death, along with his father, three brothers, four sons and five colleagues. Following another change of regime, Song was posthumously honored as one of the 'Six Dead Loyal Subjects' who had opposed the coup.
My poetry
- When my bones have bleached and blended
What new life will come to me?9 lines
