Korean Royalty and Governance: The Drum of Grievances

This chapter explores the innovative grievance system established by a 15th-century Korean king who allowed subjects to voice complaints through a large drum outside his palace. It reflects on the complexities of power dynamics, illustrating the darkly humorous aspects of authority while revealing historical anecdotes about the brutal realities faced by royalty and their subjects. The discussion traverses themes of legitimacy, societal norms, and the intricate relationship between governance and cultural practices during the Chosun dynasty.