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At that time, the king said,
"if you want to run the government,
you have to see traces of history left
by a well-run society and a confused society." (23/06/28)
So,
we would like to ask questions to the king.
An interview with the king
Q. Your Majesty, what was your first remark when you ascended the throne?
"Let's have a discussion."
"As I didn't know many talents, I wanted to appoint government officials
after having a discussion with subjects." (00/8/12)
Q. Why didn't you appoint officials yourself?
"Governments posts are not for those I favor,
but for those who can do the job best,
even if they are my political enemies or discourteous to me." (02/03/16)
Q. But there must be some subjects who disagree with you.
"If you entrust somone with a task, you shouldn't have doubt,
and if you have doubt, you shouldn't entrust him with a task." (01/01/11)
He appointed concubines' sons, military officials,
and government slaves to main posts.
A creative policy based on a variety of merits.
Q. What do you consider first when you carry out reforms?
"Ask all the people from government officials to poor and humble people
if they are for or against this law." (12/03/05)
"If the people are against the law, you shouldn't enact the law." (12/07/05)
In 1430,
After a public opinion poll of 172,806 people in the nation
and 17 years of discussion,
the Joseon Dynasty finally reformed tax system.
Q. The public do not always like what you do.
"If people criticize me for good reasons,
I shouldn't punish them because that is my fault.
Even if they criticize me because of misunderstanding or ill wills,
that is also my fault as I didn't prevent them from harboring such thoughts.
I cannot blame the people." (06/04/17)
Q. What is a reign of peace you dream of?
"The world where people can do what they want to do without difficulty."
(13/06/20)
(the 13th year of King Sejong /June 20/Annals)
Sejong Annals
"The Annals of King Sejong" (1418-1450)
A record of his extraordinary efforts for people's ordinary happiness.
One day in the 14th year of King Sejong,
"Your Majesty,
we should write a lyric about today's events
and make people sing the song."
"We shouldn't make people praise today's events.
let future generations evaluate today's events and sing a song."