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
When the whole country is pulsating with great transformation and fresh hope, an inauguration ceremony of the regional-industry
December 25, 2025
When the whole country is pulsating with great transformation and fresh hope, an inauguration ceremony of the regional-industry
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
December 25, 2025
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
December 25, 2025
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an enlarged meeting of the council of the defence ministry on December 17 that the
December 25, 2025
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an enlarged meeting of the council of the defence ministry on December 17 that the
On November 30 ten years ago, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the renovated Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace.That day
December 25, 2025
On November 30 ten years ago, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the renovated Mangyongdae Schoolchildren’s Palace.That day
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from V.
December 25, 2025
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, received a message of greeting from V.
As the people across the country enjoy a highly civilized new life under socialism, new houses have been built at Wonum and
December 25, 2025
As the people across the country enjoy a highly civilized new life under socialism, new houses have been built at Wonum and
The residents of Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, greeted an auspicious day to be specially recorded in the history of the
December 25, 2025
The residents of Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, greeted an auspicious day to be specially recorded in the history of the
An online joint seminar and a photo exhibition of Brazilian political parties and organizations took place on December 16 on the
December 24, 2025
An online joint seminar and a photo exhibition of Brazilian political parties and organizations took place on December 16 on the
The US is intensifying pressure on Venezuela by rallying its large forces in the Caribbean Sea.Insisting that the Venezuelan gover
December 24, 2025
The US is intensifying pressure on Venezuela by rallying its large forces in the Caribbean Sea.Insisting that the Venezuelan gover
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry denounced the reckless remarks of the Japanese defense minister who found fault with
December 24, 2025
A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry denounced the reckless remarks of the Japanese defense minister who found fault with
Different kinds of vehicles run in all parts of the DPRK. They carry dairy products to children everywhere—cities and
December 24, 2025
Different kinds of vehicles run in all parts of the DPRK. They carry dairy products to children everywhere—cities and
The workers of the Sunchon Cement Complex attained its goal of increased production set higher than last year by bringing about a
December 24, 2025
The workers of the Sunchon Cement Complex attained its goal of increased production set higher than last year by bringing about a
New houses have appeared at the Wonjon Stockbreeding Farm under the South Hamgyong Provincial Rural Economy Committee and Sangok
December 24, 2025
New houses have appeared at the Wonjon Stockbreeding Farm under the South Hamgyong Provincial Rural Economy Committee and Sangok
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Japanese militarism, which was hell-bent on aggression in Asia along with
December 23, 2025
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the defeat of Japanese militarism, which was hell-bent on aggression in Asia along with
New appearances of rural civilization of the Korean style are spreading over the vast fields in South Hwanghae Province. Modern
December 23, 2025
New appearances of rural civilization of the Korean style are spreading over the vast fields in South Hwanghae Province. Modern
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryavkov said at a press conference with a US media organization on December 16 that Russia
December 23, 2025
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryavkov said at a press conference with a US media organization on December 16 that Russia
On the direct initiative and under the energetic leadership of the great Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, modern hotels
December 23, 2025
On the direct initiative and under the energetic leadership of the great Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee, modern hotels
Memorial meetings, film shows and book and photo exhibitions took place in Pakistan, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland,
December 23, 2025
Memorial meetings, film shows and book and photo exhibitions took place in Pakistan, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland,
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Defense demanded the US observe the one China principle at a press conference on December
December 22, 2025
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Defense demanded the US observe the one China principle at a press conference on December
More Articles
