Ŏudong


Ŏudong or Eoudong, also known as Ŏŭrudong or Eoeuludong, née Pak, was a Korean dancer, writer, artist, and poet from a noble family in the Joseon period of the 15th century. Most of her work has not been preserved. She is described to be one of the evil women from the Joseon Dynasty along with Queen Munjeong, Jang Nok-su, and Royal Noble Consort Hui.

Biography

Born as Pak Kuma, Ŏudong was from a noble family, the of the Joseon period. She married Yi Tong, Prince T'aegang, the great-grandson of Queen Wongyeong and King Taejong. She was forced to divorce him on account of adultery charges and subsequently she became an active poet, writer, artist, and dancer.
She was noted for her exceptional beauty, dancing, singing talent, poetry, quick wit and charm, and extraordinary intellect.

Sex scandal and execution

In 1480, she was put on trial for adultery. She was charged with having committed adultery with multiple male partners, including royal relatives, court officials and slaves.

During this time period, the position of women deteriorated in Korea with the introduction of Confucian gender segregation, and there was an increasing severity in the persecution of women who committed adultery, and particularly noblewomen. Several such cases are known, such as those of Yu Gam-dong, who was sentenced to become a slave kisaeng, and Geumeumdong and Dongja, both noblewomen who were punished for having committed adultery with male relatives. Yi Gu-ji was also an example of committing adultery. The case of Ŏudong was however the perhaps most infamous of all, and became a famous scandal involving many men of high standing. The case ended with her conviction and execution. The death penalty for female adultery was formally introduced by King Jungjong in 1513.

Family