A series of kings come and go. In 1450, Munjong, unhealthy and unwise. 1452, his son, whose uncle, the prince Su-Yang of Sejong's reign, takes the kingdom with violence. Though his start is very bad, his reign continues the reforms of his illustrious father. He resigns in 1468, giving his office to his son, who dies in 1469.

Sunjong is next, a Confucianist who refuses Buddha altogether. He orders all obscenity dropped from songs and poems. Music is ordered to be more serious. A nice touch. Would that our own nation could get a bit of this wisdom.

Sunjong's death in 1494 brings Yun-san, the son of Dad's concubine, a troublesome sort. One of his first objectives as King of Chosun is to avenge insults to his mother. Then, he kills his tutor, and slaughters hundreds that are in any way connected to denegrating the reputation of the Queen Mother. It is in fact a reign of terror. And debauchery. He defiles the Confucian temple. He invites sorcerers and witches to return to their crafts.

By 1506 the people have had enough. They banish him. Ah for the times when the people can banish a bad ruler! People enjoy being led by one who is wise and fair and strong. They eventually will find a way to topple an evil man. Consider Romania's recent history.

King Chungjong is next and it's back to reforms. In his reign we enter the "golden age" of Korean morals, the highest point of its literature, the apex of its cultural distinctives. Everyone is reacting to the evil of Yun-san, and in doing so, a class of "puritans" is created out of the dust of his degradation.

It is 1524. More tragedy. Cholera kills 7,700 citizens in Pyongyang. Later pestilence sweeps the northern province of Hamgyung. Floods devastate yet other regions. It is not always pleasant in the "land of morning calm."

In 1544 Prince In-jong ascends to the throne at his father's death. But through an unscrupulous mother aided by the politics of the time, 12-year-old Myung-jong, his brother, takes power via regent Mom. Through her, Buddhism is given a serious shot in the arm. In a short time, though, the regency is ended, and In-jong reigns, bringing needed improvements to the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, troubles from the north, and the Japanese in the south... we'll continue the 16th century next time.