Five-volume Biography of Korean Martial Art Masters was published several yearsago, but it is still much sought after in the DPRK.
Readers of the book say in unison that it recounts Korean history through the lives of famous martial artists and the more they read it, the more appealing they find it.
They also hold out hope that the book would be adapted for the screen on historical theme.
Biography of Korean Martial Art Masters is an absorbing read as it tells about the outstanding skills of famous Korean martial artists, the journey of life of each of them and why they are still remembered by people.
The book was authored by Jo Chong Un (pictured).
Now in his early forties, Jo heard many stories about the patriotic generals, known and unknown, of the Korean nation who repulsed foreign invasion and defended the country from his father, a historian, in his childhood.
“My dad’s old stories were so lifelike that I felt as if I went back to the past and lived in the same period. I just wanted to write all that seemed to be happening so vividly before my eyes. That is how I began to write historical novels,” said Jo.
After finishing the writers training course at Kim Hyong Jik
University of Education, he buried himself in writing a history book.
He made painstaking efforts for several years and finally completed Biography of Korean Martial Art Masters. It was his first smash hit.
The book shows in detail that the Korean ancestors had regarded physical training as the right course of character building since ancient times and established the habit of attaching importance to military affairs, following up the traces of the patriotic generals who made their name with distinguished services in the fights to defend the country.
Jo introduced renowned Korean martial artists in the extended historical period from the mid-3rd century BC to the early 20th century in the five-volume book.
Practised writers including those of the Writers Union of Korea refer to it as a “book that tactfully shows the individuality of famous generals and talents” and a “book inspiring pride in the nation’s orthodox martial art in the people”.
After writing the book, Jo brought out historical novels King Yongnak and Oh, Heaven and Earth in succession to become more familiar to the readers.
He is now working on a new history book.
More From Pyongyang Times
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned Japan for its moves to revive militarism at a press conference on December
December 18, 2025
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry condemned Japan for its moves to revive militarism at a press conference on December
The Mexican president resolutely rejected the US’ attempt to take military actions in her country on the pretext of the
December 18, 2025
The Mexican president resolutely rejected the US’ attempt to take military actions in her country on the pretext of the
The exhibition of products of Koryo medicine pharmaceutical factories-2025 took place at the Okryu Exhibition House from November
December 18, 2025
The exhibition of products of Koryo medicine pharmaceutical factories-2025 took place at the Okryu Exhibition House from November
The ardent desire of the Central Committee of the great Workers' Party of Korea has brought about stirring events in different
December 18, 2025
The ardent desire of the Central Committee of the great Workers' Party of Korea has brought about stirring events in different
Our factory has received numerous certificates of scientific and technological achievements at various festivals, exhibitions and
December 18, 2025
Our factory has received numerous certificates of scientific and technological achievements at various festivals, exhibitions and
All the people including service personnel across the DPRK are paying the highest tribute to Chairman Kim Jong Il with boundless
December 17, 2025
All the people including service personnel across the DPRK are paying the highest tribute to Chairman Kim Jong Il with boundless
Rangnim County greeted the moments of celebrating the inauguration of regional-industry factories built under the energetic
December 17, 2025
Rangnim County greeted the moments of celebrating the inauguration of regional-industry factories built under the energetic
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the demise of Chairman Kim Jong Il.On this occasion the DPRK people recollect the noble ou
December 17, 2025
This year marks the 14th anniversary of the demise of Chairman Kim Jong Il.On this occasion the DPRK people recollect the noble ou
Youth and students got together at the Central Youth Hall in Pyongyang on December 15 to tell stories about the noble virtues of
December 17, 2025
Youth and students got together at the Central Youth Hall in Pyongyang on December 15 to tell stories about the noble virtues of
Regional-industry factories have been built in inland mountainous Sinyang County to fundamentally improve the quality of the
December 17, 2025
Regional-industry factories have been built in inland mountainous Sinyang County to fundamentally improve the quality of the
Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the issue of state economic development in a state planning and strategic development
December 16, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the issue of state economic development in a state planning and strategic development
The 2025-2026 DPRK men’s and women’s premier leagues started amid high expectations and interest of soccer experts and fans.
December 16, 2025
The 2025-2026 DPRK men’s and women’s premier leagues started amid high expectations and interest of soccer experts and fans.
The Korean people call the present times the golden age of construction and the new era of comprehensive development of socialism.
December 16, 2025
The Korean people call the present times the golden age of construction and the new era of comprehensive development of socialism.
The Workers’ Party of Korea is accelerating the accomplishment of the epoch-making cause of reconstructing the regional economy
December 16, 2025
The Workers’ Party of Korea is accelerating the accomplishment of the epoch-making cause of reconstructing the regional economy
Modern houses have been built at Majon and Naeho farms in Hamhung City and the Paeksang Farm in Pujon County of South Hamgyong
December 16, 2025
Modern houses have been built at Majon and Naeho farms in Hamhung City and the Paeksang Farm in Pujon County of South Hamgyong
South Phyongan Province has modernized the city and county Koryo medicine pharmaceutical factories. Jungsan County worked out a
December 16, 2025
South Phyongan Province has modernized the city and county Koryo medicine pharmaceutical factories. Jungsan County worked out a
Hoeguksu or noodles with seasoned sliced raw fish was relished by people in the coastal areas. Through a long historical course,
December 16, 2025
Hoeguksu or noodles with seasoned sliced raw fish was relished by people in the coastal areas. Through a long historical course,
Baskets of flowers in the name of the UN resident coordinator office and the missions of UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO, WFP and WHO in
December 15, 2025
Baskets of flowers in the name of the UN resident coordinator office and the missions of UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, FAO, WFP and WHO in
The Hungarian prime minister warned that Ukraine’s accession to the EU might cause danger through an SNS on December 8.Referring t
December 15, 2025
The Hungarian prime minister warned that Ukraine’s accession to the EU might cause danger through an SNS on December 8.Referring t
Personages of different countries highly praised the revolutionary exploits of Chairman Kim Jong Il who led the socialist cause of
December 15, 2025
Personages of different countries highly praised the revolutionary exploits of Chairman Kim Jong Il who led the socialist cause of
More Articles
