[Bread-Baking Typist] King Jeongjo's Complex Overcoming Story...'If You Are a Leader, Be Like Jeongjo'

[Asia Economy Reporter Wondara] "I am the son of Crown Prince Sado." This was the first statement King Jeongjo made to his officials upon ascending the throne. Rather than hiding a potential weakness in the fiercely competitive court power struggles, he openly declared it. 'If you are a leader, be like Jeongjo' is the 'plot twist story' of King Jeongjo. Although Jeongjo seemed perfect from birth, he actually spent his entire life battling his own weaknesses.

The muscular, skilled-in-both-civil-and-military-arts King Jeongjo often depicted in dramas and films was born from his desire to resemble his father. In fact, as a child, Jeongjo had to sleep wearing armor to avoid assassination attempts by political rivals. Jeongjo strove to justify Crown Prince Sado by showing his father's image through himself. This is why he diligently practiced swordsmanship and spear fighting, emulating the martial skills of Crown Prince Sado. As a result, Jeongjo not only possessed martial skills superior to many warriors but also became a king who could encompass both civil and military officials.

One of the things Jeongjo worked on throughout his life was 'controlling his emotions.' When he ascended the throne, a 'bloodbath' was anticipated. He knew who had killed his father, and the 'eight-character curse' that 'the son of the traitor Crown Prince Sado cannot become king' was openly circulated, causing him to endure 14 years of hardship as crown prince. However, Jeongjo reconciled with all those who had led the killing of Crown Prince Sado. He also tried not to slander others, saying, "People want to talk about how great they are by slandering others."

One glimpse into Jeongjo's mature inner self was when he confided to close officials, "I have a flaw of suddenly losing my temper because I lack the study of Hamyang Gongbu." He wrote on his bedroom wall, "Do not demand perfection in work, and do not try to say everything." Knowing himself well, he would always handle matters a day after getting angry. During royal lectures, he deliberately asked only easy questions to his officials. Behind this mature demeanor was the young Jeongjo who, being spied on and asked, "Aren't you resentful of your grandfather?" had to practice hiding his true feelings to survive.

Thinking of his lonely childhood, Jeongjo enacted the 'Jahul Jeonchik (字恤典則),' providing meals to begging children aged 4 to 10 regardless of good or bad harvests, and ensured that if they fell ill, they could receive treatment at the Hyeminseo (惠民署, a Joseon-era government office responsible for medicine and treating commoners' illnesses). There is also an anecdote where a drunken scholar caught sleeping against the palace wall was given rice for making alcohol by Jeongjo, who said, "You know the charm of drinking, which is very admirable," showing his sense of humor. "We highly value leaders who have sincerity," the author also introduces Jeongjo's love story. Jeongjo proposed three times to a palace maid and after 15 years, she became a concubine (Uibin). He enjoyed 'special affection play' with the intelligent Uibin, teaching her to read and solving math problems together. Uibin was known for her frugality, reportedly not even owning a single silk garment for her funeral.

The Jeongjo portrayed through 49 stories by the author is not a naturally perfect person but someone who spent his life overcoming complexes. The author commented, "There are few monarchs in world history who grew up with such pain." As the author says, "Even if one starts work in difficult circumstances and suffers all kinds of unfairness, a leader who restrains anger, considers others, and gently enlightens them without blaming their mistakes or incompetence is the kind of leader who can truly lead the world." (If You Are a Leader, Be Like Jeongjo / Kim Junhyuk / The Bom / 18,000 KRW)