The Story of Hong Gildong

Content note: This section of the guide refers to rape and rape culture, which appear in the source text.

The Story of Hong Gildong is a cautionary tale about the dangers of enforcing Joseon’s rigid class system. Gildong’s extraordinary abilities are at odds with his lowborn status, and the authorities’ attempts to keep him down cost Joseon an amazing hero. Gildong’s actions throughout the novel are his attempts to fulfill his destiny by becoming a great leader despite his circumstances. This illustrates the theme of The Ability to Fulfill or Avoid One’s Destiny. Gildong voluntarily leaves Joseon after executing corrupt authorities in the eight provinces, but he could just as easily have stayed in Joseon and continued to cause upheaval—perhaps even the downfall of the King of Joseon. Instead, Gildong fulfills his destiny and achieves the greatness he desires by conquering another country and becoming king in his own right.

Gildong operates according to his own moral code. He leads the Taesobaek Mountain bandits to rob a Buddhist monastery (presumably because its wealth was ill-gained, though the author never specifies this). With his powers of sorcery, he could have continued stealing for personal gain, but instead he decides to fight political corruption.