The shining star of Korean literature
Each historic era in Korea was represented by prominent writers and scholars. In the Goryeo period, it was writer Yi Kyu-bo, who is widely acclaimed even by contemporary writers for his talent. Born in the middle of the Goryeo period, Yi Kyu-bo lived in tumultuous times in the midst of a military regime and Mongolian invasions. He wrote the immortal masterpiece “The Saga of King Dongmyeong” and more than 7,000 poems.

Born with a talent for writing
Yi Kyu-bo was born in 1168 in today’s Gyeonggi Province. He drew attention for his talent when he was very young, because he could remember any story he happened to hear just once, and was well-versed in Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. When he was 9, Yi Kyu-bo began writing poems, and at age 11 he stunned everyone around him with his impressive writing skills. But despite everyone’s expectations, Yi Kyu-bo failed his state exams three times and it was not until he turned 21 that he finally passed them. Back then, Goryeo was under a military regime. Despite his talent, Yi Kyu-bo was barred from taking a high position in society and putting his knowledge into use. He always pursued freedom and after years of wandering he eventually wrote great epic poems.

Doing away with stereotypes
In 1193, Yi Kyu-bo wrote “The Saga of King Dongmyeong,” which was dedicated to the founder of Goguryeo and consisted of 282 verses. It was the first long epic poem in Korea. It also contains the writer’s notes on what motivated him to write the poem and the royal genealogy before King Dongmyeong’s birth. The poem itself details the period from King Dongmyeong’s birth to the founding of Goguryeo. Yi Kyu-bo wrote the poem in a unique Korean style instead of blindly following the Chinese style, which was a prevailing trend at the time. He paved the way for the development of literature in the nation by helping the Goryeo people learn easily about King Dongmyeong. He also wrote many poems that commiserated with socially marginalized people. But his efforts and contributions continue to stir controversy because of his life after he became famous in his 30s.

Life as a famous person
In 1207, then-military dictator of Goryeo Choi Chung-heon named Yi Kyu-bong to a high position. From that point, Yi Kyu-bo rapidly moved up the social ladder, earning criticism for serving the military regime. But some credit him for collaborating with the military regime in times when the nation needed strong leadership, such as during the Mongolian invasions. Yi Kyu-bo wrote numerous diplomatic messages to protect his home country. Thanks to his eloquence, the emperor of the Yuan Dynasty voluntarily withdrew the Mongolian troops from Goryeo.

Yi Kyu-bo resigned from his post at age 69, and spent the rest of his life writing poems, enjoying liquor and playing the musical instrument geomungo. He died in 1241 at age 72. He left the largest collection of writings and poems in the history of Goryeo. His works, which helped protect Goryeo from foreign invasions, serve as a priceless relic in understanding Goryeo literature.