The Tale of Hong Gildong

Heo Gyun

During the Joseon Dynasty under King Sejong, Gil-dong, born as the illegitimate son of the prestigious minister Hong-mun, possessed extraordinary talents and the spirit of a hero. However, due to his lowly status, he could not call his father "father" nor could he call his brother "brother." Amidst discrimination and slander, Gil-dong, who faced threats to his life, ultimately leaves home and ventures into the world. This work is a classic heroic narrative about a genius boy trapped by the shackles of social status who carves out his own destiny. It can be said to be a representative work of Korean classical fantasy, blending anger, sorrow, magical arts, adventure, and the birth of a righteous outlaw.