[New Word Dictionary] Bulso - Burning Communication

The 21st king of Joseon, Yeongjo, was a communicative monarch who left the palace more than 30 times during his reign to personally observe the conditions of his people and listen to their opinions. Illustration by artist Oh Seong-su

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] In the 18th century, Hanyang, the capital of Joseon, faced various urban problems due to a rapidly increasing population. In particular, Cheonggyecheon, which served as Hanyang's water supply and drainage system, became a breeding ground for epidemics and floods as its area shrank due to the occupation by incoming poor people and urban waste. At that time, laws stipulated that construction projects such as roads and embankments were to be resolved through the voluntary labor of nearby residents, but the situation of Cheonggyecheon already required a large-scale project beyond the capacity of the local community. Accordingly, King Yeongjo personally went to Gwangtonggyo Bridge in 1752 to listen to the opinions of the people. While the necessity of dredging was confirmed, mobilizing the people for a large-scale project was another matter. Yeongjo gradually began communication to shape public opinion. In March 1754, he gathered representatives of residents near Cheonggyecheon at the palace to conduct a public opinion survey and discussion about the dredging project, and that year’s civil service examination included a question directly asking to “describe the pros and cons of the Cheonggyecheon project.” Yeongjo’s relentless efforts to communicate and build public opinion finally bore fruit when the Cheonggyecheon project began on February 18, 1760. Understanding the necessity of the dredging project, people came not only from areas near Hanyang but also from as far as Jeju Island to support the large-scale construction.

“Bulso” is an abbreviation of “burning communication,” referring to active mutual conversations through YouTube live chat windows, messengers, or comments. King Yeongjo, who successfully led the Cheonggyecheon dredging project, also attempted to solve various social problems through “Bulso.” Regarding the yangyeok issue (labor service imposed on yangin men aged 16 to 60), he personally went to Honghwamun Gate of Changgyeonggung Palace to carefully listen to the opinions of the people and Confucian scholars. Furthermore, to earnestly hear the public sentiment, he revived the Sinmungo, a public grievance box abolished during the reign of Yeonsangun. According to records, during his 52-year reign, Yeongjo went outside the palace more than 30 times to discuss policies with the people. The burning communication of the benevolent King Yeongjo later evolved into politics of empathy, laying the foundation for the late Joseon Renaissance.

Example

A: Did you watch ‘Mr. Trot’ this time?
B: I didn’t watch it, but my parents did, so I watched it with them.
A: Oh~ Who are you rooting for? I’m a fan of Yeongtak.
B: After seeing the stage, I was drawn to Lee Chanwon, but my mom supports Lim Youngwoong, and my dad likes Kim Hojung. We sent cheering messages, and the whole family gathered to debate, each promoting their favorite singer.
A: LOL Thanks to Mr. Trot, your family achieved a great unification through Bulso!