It's interesting to note, that whenever the king returns to his capital, after having been driven out by Japanese, Mongols, Manchurians, or other Koreans, his first order of business is to reward the faithful and punish the fearful or rebellious. This has some serious Biblical overtones that we cannot pursue at present. But one day our rejected King will return for those who have accepted Him.

1637. The King tells China that he did what he did (betrayed the "motherland") under force. China says no blame will be attached. To show their renewed favor, Korea sends a warning to China when they hear the Manchus are about to attack.

Nevertheless, with or without Korea's help, in 1643 the (Chinese) Ming dynasty falls. It is the 21^st year of the Korean king's reign. Finally the crown prince is returned, only to grow sick and die. His infant son is next in line but the second son, Pong-im, is married to a woman who wants to be queen. The King decides in her favor. Even so, Pong Im wants his dead brother's wife killed. A poisoning follows.

So our century is not the first to see evil in Korea. And in1649, when the king dies, in the first year of his successor's reign (Hyo-jung Tawang) there occurs something else familiar to us in regards to the peninsula: a severe famine ravages the North.

The cycle continues. there is much corruption, another rebellion, and growing restlessness against Manchu rule. As his father is dying, the king plans a break with the Manchus. He builds a fortress, strengthens his army ,but alas, in 1659 the king dies from exposure while sacrificing to "heaven" in less than comfortable weather.

Life goes on, though we wonder how, with tragedy after tragedy occurring. In 1660, Hyong-jong Tawang, his son, reigns.

And then a problem that some consider one of Korea's worst: the development of four "parties" . Between these somewhat arbitrary groups, no inter-marriage is to be allowed. They are to wear separate colors and collar shapes. The petty things they decide upon become life and death issues, as in today's gangs. Then they take it to the streets and do even more damage to a damaged nation. Hundreds of thousands are dead because of these party divisions. And no true principles are at stake, only personal power.

Fortunately, during Hyong's reign, only one party dominates, therefore there are many reforms. But, in 1674, he becomes ill and dies. His son, Suk-jong Tawang allows the party spirit to revive. Well, we must be kind to his memory. He is only 14 when he ascends to power, and he believes everyone, like the accusers of the prime minister, who is subsequently banished.

Suk-jong's 46 year reign is one long fight.