Given the already established role of "gisaengs", or female entertainers, in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), one can easily draw the idea that they existed to entertain "yangbans", or aristocrats, of the Confucian system.
This prevailing description of gisaengs, however, has recently been replaced by a new view that portrays them as multitalented entertainers of exquisite artistic talent and sophisticated social skills.
The shift in view goes on to highlight the life and career of big-name gisaeng Hwang Jin-i as a cultural icon of the times, who left a distinct mark in Korean history with her creative artworks.
Hwang was not only a gisaeng but also a painter, poet and calligrapher of the late 16th century, who rubbed shoulders with some of the era's most intelligent figures such as scholar Seo Kyung-duk and well-known monk Jijok.
The artistically inclined gisaeng, above all, was praised for her breathtaking beauty. According to historical documents, poets who encountered her beauty wrote that her scent lingered for three days, that birds forgot to flutter their wings and fish forgot to swim. The aura of her personality and beauty seems immortal as she is grabbing attention once again in the 21st century.
In what is being called the "Hwang Jin-i Boom", the dramatic and tragic life of the gisaeng is being highlighted through a TV drama, musical and film.
The primetime KBS drama "Hwang Jin-i (Drama)" with 24 episodes has become an early success by garnering an average viewer rating of 20.1 percent since its debut last month. It has taken first place, beating two other competing shows since last week. The drama features actress Ha Ji-won as Hwang and actor Kim Jae-won playing Kim Jung-han, Hwang's lover.
Critics say that the success of the historical drama originates from dramatizing Hwang's ill-fated love and overflowing talents combined with a detailed description of the lives of gisaeng with beautifully colored sets and costumes.
The drama attempts to reenact the period with a set composed of replicas of ancient murals, architectural structures, arts and crafts, costumes and personal accessories.
Keeping up the Hwang Jin-i boom, the musical "Hwang Jin-i" will go on stage after two years of preparation at the 1,200-seat Universal Arts Center in Seoul from Nov. 25 to Dec. 25.
Pop music writer Cho Eun-hee wrote the lyrics to accompany the music of composer Michael Staudacher, the German musical director known for his music in the Korean film "Chungyeon" ("Blue Swallow") (2005). Award-winning costume designer Chung Kyung-hee has produced a modernized "hanbok" (Korean traditional clothing) for the musical's actors.
Asked how it would differ from the TV drama, an official from the production company of the musical said, "The audience will encounter the real Hwang Jin-i showing her talents live.
"As to best draw her life, love and everlasting passion, we put a little bit of a modern twist to the musical piece. This will help the audience of the 21st century better understand Hwang, a woman of the 16th century", he added.
The movie "Hwang Jin-i" featuring the two Korean Wave superstars Song Hae-kyo and Yoo Ji-tae will be released early next year. The movie, an adaptation from the famous novel "Hwang Jin-i" written by North Korean writer Hong Seok-joong, is already drawing much attention.
The local entertainment industry is set to fully utilize the hot item of the year, gisaeng, by producing more TV dramas and musicals focusing on the tragic and dramatic lives of female entertainers of the past.
Another TV drama series "Hae-er-hwa", or flower that understands literature, will be broadcast next year. The new drama will feature heartthrob Kim Hee-seon and singer-turned-actress Park Ji-yoon as gisaengs who finally conquer Joseon with their talents and beauty.
While generally welcoming the growing interests in gisaengs, driven by a number of visual productions, historians and critics are expressing some concerns over possible distortion of history.
"The lives of gisaengs are much too idealized through the modern depiction of Hwang Jin-i. It makes it seem as if becoming a female entertainer then was a way to escape poverty and pain. Their social status presented in luxurious costumes also contradicts their actual lives as the lower class of the times", said Kim Heon-sik, a culture critic.
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