Opening Theme: WHAT is being said?

[Nalbal]

You know how, when the "Great King Sejong" show starts, there is some Korean narration right at the beginning (before it shows the main characters and the actors' names)? I was wondering if there is anyone out there who could translate this... I do not understand Korean (except for the few words I learned from watching these series ) and me and my family have been very curious to know what is being said.

Also, is it supposed to be Choongnyeong who is speaking? It sure sounds like him...

[Soju]

Just a guess:

It sounds like a list of things being said, with the items running together. At the same time, we see renderings of various items that I think King Sejong is credited with having developed or invented.

I think it is a list of his accomplishments.

Whether it is or not, I would like a translation, too.

[Candylover]

Yes, Soju was right!
As you guys know, one of the greatest achievements of King Sejong was the invention and the promulgation of Hangul, the Korean writing system. And, to help his people learn Hangul, he also published a text book named "The Correct Sounds for the Instruction of the People," in which he said why he invented Hangul.

"Because the speech of the country is different from that of China, it [the spoken language] doesn't match the [Chinese] letters. Therefore, even if the ignorant want to communicate, many of them cannot achieve their intent. Because I am saddened by this, I have newly made 28 letters. It is my intention that everybody learn the letters easily so that they can conveniently use them everyday. "

The narration of the opening theme is the first part of it.

"Because the speech of the country is different from that of China, it [the spoken language] doesn't match the [Chinese] letters. Therefore, even if the ignorant want to communicate, many of them cannot achieve their intent. "

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hunmin_Jeongeum

[Nalbal]

Wow, Candylover! And I did not know that he invented Hangul... that is very interesting. Thank you kindly for the translation!

[kathleen34]

Jun 6, 2008 10:06:29 GMT -5 Nalbal said:

Wow, Candylover! And I did not know that he invented Hangul... that is very interesting. Thank you kindly for the translation!

Candylover always offerers such interesting posts. For even more info on King Sejong ... here's a little something from Wikapedia:

Sejong the Great (May 6, 1397 – May 18, 1450, r. 1418 - 1450) was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty of Korea. He is best remembered for creating the native Korean alphabet hangul, despite strong opposition from the scholars educated in hanja (Chinese script). Sejong is one of only two Korean rulers posthumously honored with the appellation "the Great," the other being Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo.

There's a whole lot more on Wikapedia ... isn't it wonderful how these historical dramas are the doors that open up to pursuing history that would totally escape us were we not watching the King Sejongs of the World.

[jinju0]

that is so true kathleen34. i have learn alot from these dramas.

here are some links about the massacre.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Korean_monarchs
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseon_Dynasty

[ajk]

Forgive me for sleeping on the job on his one, but an overdue thanks to Candylover for answering this question. We see that intro before every episode, and it's just the kind of thing that you don't think much about but it creeps into your subconscious and then suddenly one night you wake up screaming "WHAT IS HE SAYING?!". Or something a little less disturbing. In any event, another great piece of info and much appreciated.

[Candylover]

It's my pleasure to anser questions on this board.
One of the group members also sent me an e-mail saying that she was amazed to find those 'things' that are wizzing past us as the narrator is speaking of Sejong's accomplishments was hangul characters.

[MTR]

On the musical aspect ,i think this is one of the best soundtracks for a historical drama i have heard .
Emperor Of The Sea (not the hard rock opening )and Conspiracy /Court would come close .
I wish there was an OST for this drama .

[mtcharls]

OH I FORGOT....................LET'S GO EAGLES....FLLY EAGLES FLLLLY (SINGS) ....... AND FLYERS

[jocal]

deiner.proboards48.com/index.cgi?board=greatkingsejong&action=display&thread=7402&page=1#100343

About the question about the headgear, candylover provided a great explanation and history about all that. I was curious about all that myself! Candylover is the best researcher and has a web site with all kinds of interesting facts and history as well. Maybe someone has the link handy. I stumbled into it once from one of these posts but don't recall which one it was

jocal

[Betz]

Greetings from Philly

Yes, Candylover does have a wonderful website

here is link
www.koreanhistory.net

Betz

[mtcharls]

www.lifeinkorea.com/culture/clothes/clothes.cfm?xURL=official could not find much but timelines on her site but korean headdress is mentioned above on the link...