U Tak

this poet's pen name was Yoktong (Divining the East), was one of the founders of Newconfucianism which was to become a dominating philosophy in Korea. His particular interests were in sorcery, the supernatural and divination; such interests were common at the time. U served as a high-ranking minister under two kings of the late Koryo dynasty, but is said to have retired after an ethical and moral dispute with the king. Returning to his country home, he devoted his time to study and to writing. Although he was known for his dignity and inflexible attitude in ethics, his poetry evidently reflected a fine sense of humor and irony. Unfortunately, only two of his verses have come down to us.