Scandals and gossip from Joseon Korea’s past

In the 1890s and early 1900s, the Western community in Korea was quite small and consisted mainly of American missionaries, advisors and diplomats – all very highly respectable men and women.  But even admirable people have their secrets and faults. 

Despite the large number of missionaries, alcoholism was very prevalent amongst the Western community and was not limited to age, social status or nationality.  Some of the leading men – and women – were alcoholics including one American Minister to Korea who arrived drunk and was quickly relieved of his position.  Even some of the missionaries imbibed much to their own detriment.

Gambling was not only a form of entertainment it was also the catalyst of hard feelings between members of the small community.  Charges of cheating – an ace of spades in a sleeve – led to death threats extending as far up as to the American Minister to Korea.  Financial difficulties due to cards and other entertainment may have led one Western diplomat/advisor to embezzle money from the Korean government.  His situation was so serious that there were concerns that he would commit suicide and possibly take others with him.

And, of course, sex also played a key role in scandals and gossip.  Secret romances, troubles involving mistresses, babies born out of wedlock and even alleged sexual assaults.  Perhaps even more shocking were the acts of infidelity including those committed by the British representative’s promiscuous wife.

Tonight we will step back more than a hundred years ago and look at some of the tales behind the stories and examine some of the interesting gossip alluded to above.

Robert D. Neff is a freelance writer and historical researcher specializing in Korean history during the late 19^th and 20^th centuries.  And, tonight, he is a gossip columnist from a hundred years ago.  He is the co-author of two books dealing with the late Joseon period: “Korea through Western Eyes” and “So-yang In ui Joseon Sal-I” (Westerner’s life in Joseon).  His writings have appeared in various books, newspapers and magazines.  He is currently finishing up a book tentatively titled “Letters home from Joseon Korea: 1894-1896.”