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 Defense Ministry rejected the US’ accusation that his country conducted a nuclear test before at a
March 08, 2026
A spokesman for the Chinese Defense Ministry rejected the US’ accusation that his country conducted a nuclear test before at a
Upon receiving the patriotic appeal of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, all the officials, Party members
March 08, 2026
Upon receiving the patriotic appeal of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, all the officials, Party members
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from
March 08, 2026
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from
Women's inexhaustible beauty can be said to be devotion. When their devotion is expressed to the country beyond the bounds of
March 08, 2026
Women's inexhaustible beauty can be said to be devotion. When their devotion is expressed to the country beyond the bounds of
There recently took place a meeting of the supreme state council of the Russia-Belarus allied state in Moscow. It was attended by
March 07, 2026
There recently took place a meeting of the supreme state council of the Russia-Belarus allied state in Moscow. It was attended by
Recently, a tragicomic accident happened in the sky above Texas, the US, where a drone of the US Customs and Border Protection was
March 07, 2026
Recently, a tragicomic accident happened in the sky above Texas, the US, where a drone of the US Customs and Border Protection was
Workers and members of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea met with winners of the Communist Mother Honour Prize at
March 07, 2026
Workers and members of the General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea met with winners of the Communist Mother Honour Prize at
Women agricultural workers met with winners of the Communist Mother Honour Prize at the Hall of Culture in Wonhwa-ri of Phyongwon
March 07, 2026
Women agricultural workers met with winners of the Communist Mother Honour Prize at the Hall of Culture in Wonhwa-ri of Phyongwon
In the DPRK, it is a social climate to help and lead one another forward between people. Many Korean people respect revolutionary
March 07, 2026
In the DPRK, it is a social climate to help and lead one another forward between people. Many Korean people respect revolutionary
Military-civilian meetings took place in North Phyongan, South Hwanghae, Kangwon and North Hamgyong provinces and Nampho and
March 07, 2026
Military-civilian meetings took place in North Phyongan, South Hwanghae, Kangwon and North Hamgyong provinces and Nampho and
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un received a flower basket from the China Dandong Branch of the Kim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il Foundation
March 07, 2026
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un received a flower basket from the China Dandong Branch of the Kim Il Sung-Kim Jong Il Foundation
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic
March 07, 2026
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic
A spokesman for the Defense Ministry of China at a press conference on February 28 denounced Japan for its moves to revive militar
March 06, 2026
A spokesman for the Defense Ministry of China at a press conference on February 28 denounced Japan for its moves to revive militar
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, sent a reply message to To Lam, general secretary of the Central
March 06, 2026
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, sent a reply message to To Lam, general secretary of the Central
An enlarged plenary meeting of the Cabinet Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on March 4 to implement the decisions
March 06, 2026
An enlarged plenary meeting of the Cabinet Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on March 4 to implement the decisions
A shooting contest of snipers from Korean People's Army units at all levels took place at Pyongyang Training Base No. 60 under the
March 05, 2026
A shooting contest of snipers from Korean People's Army units at all levels took place at Pyongyang Training Base No. 60 under the
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
March 05, 2026
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation held an emergency meeting on February 26 to reject Israel’s moves to expand its territory.
March 05, 2026
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation held an emergency meeting on February 26 to reject Israel’s moves to expand its territory.
Populations are rapidly decreasing in many countries. The Japanese Ministry of Welfare and Labour announced in August last year
March 05, 2026
Populations are rapidly decreasing in many countries. The Japanese Ministry of Welfare and Labour announced in August last year
The first full moon day (the 15th day of the first month according to lunar calendar), or jongwoldaeborum, added pleasure and
March 05, 2026
The first full moon day (the 15th day of the first month according to lunar calendar), or jongwoldaeborum, added pleasure and
More Articles
