The legend of Jang Bogo

Top:A short 10 min clip from Emperor of the Sea with English Subtitles
Bottom: A portrait of Jang Bogo

Modern Korean Drama depicting the great Jang Bogo

I have always been fascinated by Jang Bogo and stories have made him out to be some sort of bold, daring and vicious pirate tha lives a nomadic life. However, having conducted an in-depth analysis of Jang Bogo and his humble background, I discovered that Jang Bogo was actually a man of integrity, strong principles and, above all, a great leader. To have 10,000 men(private armies) under your direct charge and to be able to garner respect from every single one of them, as Jang Bogo did, speaks volumes of a man's leadership abilities. Because Jang Bogo was influential and powerful during the reign of King Minae, King Sinmun approached the great Jang Bogo to assist him in overthrowing King Minae. Apparently, Jang Bogo replied " To see what is right and not to do it is want of courage. Though I am without ability, I shall follow your orders". King Minae was then defeated and Jang Bogo was accorded the role of Prime Minister under King Sinmun's rule.
What is interesting to note is that, military wise, Jang Bogo was strong enough to overthrow King Minae and become King himself. However, he did not. I think this shows that Jang Bogo wasn't a power monger that resort to unscrupulous means to get what he wants. On a separate note and with regards to the larger picture, Jang Bogo's actions and existence altered the course of Korean history and contributed significantly to the rise to prominence of King Sinmun. I think it is only fair that Jang Bogo is remembered in modern day korea through drama serials and traditional paintings. Without him, King Sinmun would never have been able to climb to the summit of Unified Silla. Without him, many more sea merchants may have fallen prey to bandits in the yellow sea, where Jang Bogo established himself as a fearless defender of the ocean.


Source for in-depth reading: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jang_Bogo