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
Dmitri Peskov, the Russian president’s press secretary, described European politicians as pitiable persons at a press conference o
January 31, 2026
Dmitri Peskov, the Russian president’s press secretary, described European politicians as pitiable persons at a press conference o
A happy event of moving into new houses has taken place at rural villages in Sinchon and Pongchon counties of South Hwanghae
January 31, 2026
A happy event of moving into new houses has taken place at rural villages in Sinchon and Pongchon counties of South Hwanghae
On January 22, the US formally left the WHO. The US claimed that its decision to leave the WHO was a reflection of the
January 31, 2026
On January 22, the US formally left the WHO. The US claimed that its decision to leave the WHO was a reflection of the
Strategic plan based on long-cherished desire The respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un unveiled a grand blueprint for the
January 31, 2026
Strategic plan based on long-cherished desire The respected General Secretary Kim Jong Un unveiled a grand blueprint for the
The Sangwon Cement Complex carried out its national economic plan for January ahead of schedule. The complex conducted
January 31, 2026
The Sangwon Cement Complex carried out its national economic plan for January ahead of schedule. The complex conducted
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized the French president for his provocative remarks at a
January 30, 2026
Maria Zakharova, a spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, criticized the French president for his provocative remarks at a
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce condemned the inappropriate behaviour of the European Union at a news briefing on
January 30, 2026
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Commerce condemned the inappropriate behaviour of the European Union at a news briefing on
The Jagang Provincial Forestry Management Bureau is making innovations in the winter timber production. Thanks to the devoted
January 30, 2026
The Jagang Provincial Forestry Management Bureau is making innovations in the winter timber production. Thanks to the devoted
North Hwanghae Province has remodelled the Unpha Cement Factory and the Unpha Corrugated Paper Mill. Their successful renovation
January 30, 2026
North Hwanghae Province has remodelled the Unpha Cement Factory and the Unpha Corrugated Paper Mill. Their successful renovation
A meeting to review the farming in 2025 took place at the Cabinet on January 27 and 28 through video conferencing. The meeting was
January 30, 2026
A meeting to review the farming in 2025 took place at the Cabinet on January 27 and 28 through video conferencing. The meeting was
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, was presented with the credentials of
January 30, 2026
Kim Jong Un, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, was presented with the credentials of
Modern houses have appeared at the Churung Farm in Samchon County and the Sinhwanpho Farm in Jaeryong County of South Hwanghae
January 30, 2026
Modern houses have appeared at the Churung Farm in Samchon County and the Sinhwanpho Farm in Jaeryong County of South Hwanghae
A conference of the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on January 28 amid the
January 30, 2026
A conference of the headquarters of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea was held on January 28 amid the
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ju Chun Jo, a woman living in Neighbourhood Unit No. 12 of the
January 30, 2026
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ju Chun Jo, a woman living in Neighbourhood Unit No. 12 of the
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov referred to the miserable plights of NATO, the European Union and the Organization for
January 29, 2026
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov referred to the miserable plights of NATO, the European Union and the Organization for
The Canadian prime minister expressed opposition to the US’ threat to impose tariff in relation to the Greenland issue on January
January 29, 2026
The Canadian prime minister expressed opposition to the US’ threat to impose tariff in relation to the Greenland issue on January
Along with a new era of the Korean-style rural development, farms in Changdo and Thongchon counties of Kangwon Province are
January 29, 2026
Along with a new era of the Korean-style rural development, farms in Changdo and Thongchon counties of Kangwon Province are
North Hwanghae Province built the Kyongam Wood Processing Factory in Sariwon City. This modern wood processing base with equipment
January 29, 2026
North Hwanghae Province built the Kyongam Wood Processing Factory in Sariwon City. This modern wood processing base with equipment
The Missile Administration of the DPRK conducted a test-fire on January 27 to verify the effectiveness of a large-calibre multiple
January 28, 2026
The Missile Administration of the DPRK conducted a test-fire on January 27 to verify the effectiveness of a large-calibre multiple
Recently, the Laotian government set its major tasks for 2026. A government meeting took place in Vientiane, the capital of Laos,
January 28, 2026
Recently, the Laotian government set its major tasks for 2026. A government meeting took place in Vientiane, the capital of Laos,
More Articles
