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
Sea Kumgang Gate is situated about 20 kilometres away from the county town of Kosong in Kangwon Province.The area abounds with fis
April 24, 2024
Sea Kumgang Gate is situated about 20 kilometres away from the county town of Kosong in Kangwon Province.The area abounds with fis
A delegation of the Moscow Zoo of Russia led by Director Svetlana Akulova arrived in Pyongyang by plane on April 22.
April 24, 2024
A delegation of the Moscow Zoo of Russia led by Director Svetlana Akulova arrived in Pyongyang by plane on April 22.
The 2024 Asian wrestling Olympic qualification tournament took place in Kyrgyzstan from April 19 to 21. Choe Hyo Gyong, Mun Hyon
April 24, 2024
The 2024 Asian wrestling Olympic qualification tournament took place in Kyrgyzstan from April 19 to 21. Choe Hyo Gyong, Mun Hyon
In his speech to mark the 214th anniversary of the start of struggle for national independence on April 19, the Venezuelan vice
April 24, 2024
In his speech to mark the 214th anniversary of the start of struggle for national independence on April 19, the Venezuelan vice
The Russian permanent representative to the UN censured the US for protecting Israel in the UN Security Council meeting concerning
April 24, 2024
The Russian permanent representative to the UN censured the US for protecting Israel in the UN Security Council meeting concerning
Russian President Vladimir Putin advanced the task to be tackled by the public health sector in a congratulatory message sent to
April 24, 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin advanced the task to be tackled by the public health sector in a congratulatory message sent to
The Japanese reactionaries visited the Yasukuni Shrine keeping the name tablets of war criminals to make offerings on April 21.
April 24, 2024
The Japanese reactionaries visited the Yasukuni Shrine keeping the name tablets of war criminals to make offerings on April 21.
Now, extreme weather conditions caused by global warming have unprecedentedly frequented the world, followed by continuous
April 24, 2024
Now, extreme weather conditions caused by global warming have unprecedentedly frequented the world, followed by continuous
Farmers moved into new dwelling houses in the villages of the Sangi Industrial Crop Farm of Kujang County, North Phyongan
April 24, 2024
Farmers moved into new dwelling houses in the villages of the Sangi Industrial Crop Farm of Kujang County, North Phyongan
The second workshop of officials in the field of information work of the Workers' Party of Korea took place at the People's Palace
April 24, 2024
The second workshop of officials in the field of information work of the Workers' Party of Korea took place at the People's Palace
Ahmed Abu al-Gheit, secretary general of the League of Arab States, on April 17 said that massacre committed by Israel should be
April 24, 2024
Ahmed Abu al-Gheit, secretary general of the League of Arab States, on April 17 said that massacre committed by Israel should be
Im Chon Il, vice foreign minister of the DPRK in charge of Russian affairs, released the following press statement on April 24:
April 24, 2024
Im Chon Il, vice foreign minister of the DPRK in charge of Russian affairs, released the following press statement on April 24:
The chief of the Foreign News Section of the Department of Press and Information of the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued the following
April 24, 2024
The chief of the Foreign News Section of the Department of Press and Information of the DPRK Foreign Ministry issued the following
Kim Yo Jong, deputy department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following statement
April 24, 2024
Kim Yo Jong, deputy department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, issued the following statement
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryavkov censured the US’ confrontational policy at an international forum held at Moscow
April 23, 2024
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryavkov censured the US’ confrontational policy at an international forum held at Moscow
There took place a drill on April 22 to operate super-large multiple rocket units that are to play an important role in
April 23, 2024
There took place a drill on April 22 to operate super-large multiple rocket units that are to play an important role in
The League of Arab States on April 15 issued a statement, in which it said that the offensive of armed Jewish settlers is expanded
April 23, 2024
The League of Arab States on April 15 issued a statement, in which it said that the offensive of armed Jewish settlers is expanded
The Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council meeting on April 18, denounced the US for hav
April 23, 2024
The Chinese permanent representative to the United Nations, at a UN Security Council meeting on April 18, denounced the US for hav
A ceremony for moving into new houses took place at the Unjong Livestock Farm of the North Hwanghae Provincial Rural Economy
April 23, 2024
A ceremony for moving into new houses took place at the Unjong Livestock Farm of the North Hwanghae Provincial Rural Economy
Taekwon-Do trainees increase in number amid the lively social atmosphere of prioritizing and encouraging Taekwon-Do, the orthodox
April 23, 2024
Taekwon-Do trainees increase in number amid the lively social atmosphere of prioritizing and encouraging Taekwon-Do, the orthodox
More Articles