[Choi Kyungpil's Book Column] Revisiting Samgukji Beyond a Thousand Years

A Newly Interpreted History Book for Youth in 2021

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms features characters such as Yu Bi, Guan Wu, Jang Bi, Jo Jo, and Jegal Gongmyeong. Already popular as a game, we learned about the Three Kingdoms from childhood through comic books and animated cartoons. The real Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a vast historical text consisting of a total of 65 volumes.

The Three Kingdoms is a classic among classics, having been encountered at least once through comics, games, or dramas since childhood.

The book , written by publishing critic Jang Dong-seok, who has read this book more than thirty times, vividly presents keywords and major events, inviting young readers into a new world of the Three Kingdoms. Additionally, the beautiful and powerful illustrations by artist Hong Seon-ju further enhance the enjoyment and emotional impact of reading.

The Romance of the Three Kingdoms is a fiction based on the historical text "Samgukji" written by Jin Shu of the Jin dynasty. The history of the Three Kingdoms, which actually lasted about 40 years, was passed down orally with added stories, becoming a timeless bestseller that transcended eras and countries.

Over time, many authors have rewritten the Three Kingdoms in their own words. Not only have biographies of the main characters been published, but also books on management and leadership, and it has been adapted into dramas, movies, comics, pansori, and musicals. With over 300 related games, we can say that we live in the world of the classic "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" even without realizing it.

To travel this vast world, the author intriguingly retells the story with three keywords and major events that changed the flow of the narrative, offering his own interpretation. He makes readers reconsider why Yu Bi, who appears kind but indecisive, receives unconditional love, and whether Jo Jo, portrayed as a villain, is truly a bad character from a new perspective.

He also questions whether Guan Wu’s unwavering loyalty might actually show how easily human hearts can change, and whether Jegal Gongmyeong’s wisdom, which established the Three Kingdoms when one person emerged into the world, comes not from mysticism but from meticulous observation and reflection.

By examining the significance of events such as the Three Visits to the Thatched Cottage, the Battle of Red Cliffs, Yu Bi’s death, and Jegal Gongmyeong’s declaration of departure, and by hearing stories of charming supporting characters like Jang Bi, Yeo Po, and Jo Un, readers will step firmly into the world of the Three Kingdoms.

In fact, the Three Kingdoms focuses only on male adults as protagonists and pays little attention to youth or women. But that is precisely why this book encourages reading it. There can be no heroes in troubled times without women, and no adults without passing through adolescence.

Immersing oneself in the exciting stories and the exploits of the characters will deepen understanding of human history and, ultimately, the various ways of living life, enriching comprehension of humanity and the world.

In other words, this book introduces the classics to teenagers from new and diverse perspectives.

With over 1,200 characters appearing in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which is reinterpreted in this era after a thousand years, it is nothing less than a microcosm of life. What differences exist between the world of a thousand years ago and the world we see today? This book will serve well as a textbook to learn about the human nature and wisdom of the historical figures who appear.

Book columnist, Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, guest reporter Choi Kyung-pil

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.