The Story of Chun-Hyang, VERSION 11: Characters

The Story of Chun-hyang, VERSION 11
Characters
1. Narrator [21 lines] Maddie

2. Chun-hyang [26 lines] Elena
3. Wol-mae, Chun-hyang's mother [22 lines] Marynna
4. Hyang-dan, servant of Chun-hyang and Wol-mae [13 lines] Trinity
5. Master Yi Mong-Yong, son of the Royal Secretary [57 lines] Jimmy
6. Bang-ja, servant of Master Yi Mong-Yong [19 lines] Robert
7. Father of Yi Mong-Yong, Royal Secretary [7 lines] Noah
8. Mother of Yi Mong-Yong [5 lines] Bridgette
9. King Sukjong, King of Korea [3 lines] Timur
10. Governor Byun Hakdo, the new Namwon governor [18 lines] Nicholas M
11. Minister of Agriculture [6 lines] Inika
12. Minister of Finance [6 lines] Glenn
13. Minister of the Court [7 lines] Gurleen
14. Royal Guard #1 of Master Yi [3 lines] Alice
15. Royal Guard #2 of Master Yi [2 lines] Anthony
16. Royal Guard #3 of Master Yi [2 lines] Anjali
17. Peasant #1 [4 lines] Nicolas G
18. Peasant #2 [4 lines] Elijah
19. Peasant #3 [4 lines] Tagir
20. Noblewoman #1 [2 lines] Liana
21. Noblewoman #2 [2 lines] Isabel
22. Noblewoman #3 [2 lines] Kathryn
23. Guard for Governor #1 [0 lines] Tommy
24. Guard for Governor #2 [0 lines] Misha
25. Guard for Governor #3 [0 lines] Dasha
26. Guard for Governor #4 [0 lines] Ileana
Adapted by Mr. Trapasso from several summaries and versions of the story, including
the 1961 movie The Love Story of Chun-hyang by director Hong Seong-ki and the 2000
movie Chun-hyang by Im Kwon-taek.
Page 1 of 23
SCENE 1: Historical Background, Geography, Master Yi Wants a Break from Study
Narrator [line 1] [Maddie] [SLIDE: Geography, maps]

Welcome, everyone. We are so glad you have come to hear a tale from many years ago, set in
the Kingdom of Korea, during the Golden Age of the Chosen Dynasty. In the middle of the
1400s, one of Korea’s greatest rulers, King Sukjong, reigned from the capital city of Seoul. Far
to the south, in the Province of Jeolla, sits the beautiful and blessed city of Namwon.
[ENTER Side: Master Yi and Bang-ja] The city’s local governor had a 16-year-old son named
Yi Mong-Yong. He hoped to one day follow in the footsteps of his father and hold a high position
in the government. To accomplish this, he needed to earn an outstanding score on the Royal
Civil Service Examination that helped identify the most talented young noblemen in Korea.
Master Yi [Line 1] [Jimmy]

Hey, Bang-ja!
Bang-ja [Line 1] [Robert]

Yes, Young Master Yi.

It’s been several months since my family came here from Seoul. All I do is study for the civil
service exam.

Yes, you pour over the "Four Books and Five Classics" and soon you will be a master of the
Confucian tradition.

Yes, but I need a break. Let’s go sightseeing and enjoy the day.

Great idea, Master. Today is the spring festival of Dano. It’s a great day to show you the most
beautiful sights in Namwon.
SCENE 2: Master Yi sees Chen-hyang swinging on a tree
Narrator [Line 2] [Maddie] Master Yi and Bang-ja CIRCLE] [SLIDE: outdoor pavilion ]
Young Master Yi and his servant Bang-ja set off. Spring was heavy with green trees.
Blooming flowers and willows were all around. Later that morning they arrived at a graceful
pavilion overlooking a steam and graceful bridge.

You see, Master Yi, many people are here to enjoy the beauty and celebrate the festival of
Dano.
Page 2 of 23

Look at all those girls over there, swinging on that long swing. What fun!
Narrator [Line 3] [Maddie] [SLIDE: Swinging girls]

Then, he saw her. An angelic girl appeared from the flowery field. Like the sun or like the
moon, she appeared, walking with another girl. It was her turn to swing. She grabbed the
colorful ropes, and with her first push, swung up high. Yi Mong-Yong thought to himself:

She is a girl, but seemed more like a heavenly fairy. Who is that, swinging in the tree?

Ahh, that is Chun-hyang. [Pauses, admires]. She is the daughter of Wol-mae, a retired lady of
the court, but her father was a nobleman who died after her birth. She refused to become a
lady of the court, and spends her time on studying, writing, and the arts. Although she is from a
lowly class, no one in Namwon is as talented or noble as Chun-hyang.

Hearing that, I want to meet her very much. Bang-ja, why don’t’ you go get her?

Master, why would a scholar like you want to get involved with a lady of low birth? If I do as you
ask, your father is going to flog me!

If she is as good as you say, I want to hear her poems and see her paintings. Go on!
[EXIT Back: Master Yi; EXIT Side: Bang-ja]
SCENE 3: Fetching Chun-hyang
[ENTER Back: Chen-hyang, Hyang-dan] [SLIDE: Outdoor Pavilion]
Hyang-dan [Line 1] [Trinity] [Bang-ja flicks Hyang-dan’s hair]

Hey! Bang-ja, what are you doing here?

Young Master Yi told me to fetch Chun-hyang.
Hyang-dan [Line 2] [Trinity]

Fetch her? He can’t tell a lady to come as if she were someone’s pet.

He’s a nobleman. She should come.
Page 3 of 23

Don’t be ridiculous. My lady is also a noble.

She’s only half noble.
Chun-hyang [Line 1] [Elena]

Wait, Hyang-dan. [Pauses] Servant, please deliver this message to your well-educated
master. [Pauses; walks] A butterfly follows a flower. There is no flower in this world that
follows a butterfly.

What are you saying? Butterfly? Flower?

Hey! Pull yourself together and deliver my Lady’s message!

Butterfly and flower? Flower and butterfly? What?

Fool!
[Bang-ja CIRCLES; EXIT Back: Hyang-dan, Chun-hyang; ENTER Side: Master Yi]
SCENE 4: Master Li receives Chun-hyang’s Response

Bang-ja, how did it go?

Don’t even ask. They made fun of me.

What did she say?

She said there’s no flower in the world that follows a butterfly.

What? No flower that follows a butterfly?

If you know a flower like that, let me know, okay?
Page 4 of 23

Right. She is correct. A butterfly should follow a flower.

Geez. So now you figure that out, after they laughed at me on account of you.
[EXIT Side: Master Yi]
Bang-ja [Line 16] [Robert] [surprised, standing still, the runs after him]
Master! Wait! Master! [EXIT Side: Bang-ja]
SCENE 5: Master Li goes to Chun-hyang near the swing
[ENTER Back: Chen-hyang, Hyang-dan] [SLIDE: Outdoor Pavilion]

Hyang-dan, do you think Master Yi really wanted to see me?

If you are wondering, maybe you should have gone.

Don’t tease me, Hyang-dan.
Hyang-dan [Line 7] [Trinity] [ENTER Side: Master Yi, Bang-ja]

Oh no! Here comes that ding-dong again…and Master Yi is following!

Good afternoon. I am Yi Mong-Yong. You must be Chun-hyang.

Yes, I am.

I was rude to ask you to come and see me. I heard that you live with your mother. I’ll ask your
mother permission to read some poems with you. I am sorry if I offended you today. Good day.
[EXIT Side: Master Yi]

The butterfly came to the flower. Are you happy now? ]

Stay out of it, you fool! [EXIT Side: Bang-ja; EXIT Back: Chen-hyang; Hyang-dan
CIRCLES; ENTER Back: Wol-mae]
Page 5 of 23
SCENE 6: Master Yi asks to marry Chun-hyang [SLIDE: Wol-mae’s house]

Wol-mae, why didn’t you join us at the spring Dano festival today?
Wol-mae [Line 1] [Marynna]

Oh, I’m too old for that. [They laugh] Hyang-dan, please listen. [pauses briefly; walks] Last
night I had a dream that was so vivid it shocked me awake. Out of nowhere, a pond appeared
in the front yard of the house. A blue dragon flew down to the pond and waited. Then, Chun-
hyang came into the yard, and the dragon coiled her up and ascended with her into the sky.
[KNOCKING AT THE DOOR]

Who could that be at this time of night?
Hyang-dan [Line 10] [Trinity] [Goes to door]

Who it is?
Bang-ja [Line 18] [Robert] [ENTER Side: Bang-ja, then second later, Master Yi]
Young Master Yi is here.

Really?! Oh my! Madame, Young Master Yi is here!
[ENTER Back: Chun-hyang; stands at back]

Oh my! [composing herself] Sir, please come in.

Madame Wol-mae, I am sorry to barge in this late at night.

Please, don’t mention it. Earlier you summoned my humble daughter and now you come to my
humble house. We are honored. If there is something a mere retired lady of the court like me
can do, I would be happy to be of service.

Wol-mae, I am here to ask your permission to marry your daughter Chun-hyang.

Oh, my. Sir, please don’t makes jokes like that.

I’m very serious. I will not budge from this spot until I have your consent.
Page 6 of 23

Sir, please. How can a young nobleman take my daughter from a lowly class as your legitimate
wife?

I know that Chun-hyang’s father was a nobleman. Maybe that’s why we are meant to be
together. Somehow…[Pause] I feel it is our fate.

Oh… [Pause; walks] But, Sir, you are doing this behind your parents’ back. When they find
out, they’ll ask you to abandon my daughter to save the reputation of the family.

I’m going to take Chun-hyang as my legitimate wife and be loyal to her.

I wish I could believe you, but I cannot.

If you don’t trust me, I’ll write an oath to seal my promise.

Do you really care for Chun-hyang that much?

I swear by heaven and Earth.
Wol-mae [Line 10] [Marynna] [Pauses; walks]

All right, then. I will trust you. But Chun-hyang has her own opinion. I have to ask her what she
thinks.

Of course, Wol-mae.

Chun-hyang, please come here. [She stands next to her mother] You have heard my
discussion with Young Master Yi. Chun-hyung, what do you think?
Chun-hyang [Line 5] [Elena] [Pauses for a few seconds; looks down shyly]
Since Master Yi is so intent… how can a girl of the humble-class decline such a proposal?
But… since the future is unforeseeable, please vow…your eternal love for me.
Page 7 of 23
Please, bring me a brush and paper. [Carefully writes in script; then reads it aloud] Like
the sun and the moon, …my love for you… will never change. Signed, Yi Mong-Yong

Now we are contented. Because of the differences in class, for the time being, this must be a
secret marriage contract. When you have won a position in the government and gained your
independence, then you must take Chun-hyang openly as your legitimate wife.

Thank you, Mother, for understanding my predicament. When the time is right, I will take Chun-
hyang openly as my legitimate wife. I give you both my word.
Wol-mae [Line 13] [Marynna] [Points on the paper to his name]

Chun-hyang, look here. Master Yi Mong-Yong’s name means “dream” and “dragon.” Last night
I dreamed a dragon carried you away into the sky. In the morning I sent you to the swing and
look what has happened! My dream is unfolding in the earthly world. [EXIT Side: ALL]
SCENE 7: Master Yi’s father is promoted; they must go to the capital
Narrator [Line 4] [Maddie]

Thus, began the secret marriage of Master Yi Mong-Yong and his beautiful bride Chun-hyang. In
their sleep that night they dreamed of Mandarin ducks swimming together. Before the sun arose,
Master Yi returned home unseen. For several nights he visited his beloved, and their love deepened
and grew. Then, not long afterwards, Master Yi was called one morning to see his father and
mother.
[ENTER Back: Father & Mother of Yi; ENTER Side: Master Yi] [SLIDE: Father’s house]
Father of Yi Mong-Yong [Line 1] [Noah]

My son, I have good news. King Sukjong is promoting me to his cabinet as the Royal
Secretary. We’re leaving for the capital Seoul tomorrow. You must get ready to leave.

Father, I have something to tell you.

What is it? [pause for several seconds as Master Yi hesitates] Tell me if you have
something to say.

I want to stay in Namwon a little longer.

Why? [Pauses] Tell me.
Page 8 of 23
Mother of Yi Mong-Yong [Line 1] [Bridgette]

Then maybe the rumors I heard are true. Are they?

Dear, please let me handle this.

You need to study for the examinations, and if you stay here you might get distracted. You will
come with us.

Yes, father. [EXIT Back: Father; Mother remains]

My son, you cannot hide the truth from me. Your relationship with this lower-class woman will
bring ruin to our clan. Your father will lose his position as a royal advisor.

But mother, you don’t understand. I truly...
Mother of Yi Mong-Yong [Line 3] [Bridgette] [cuts him off]

I understand more than you do. If you do not give up this woman I will tell your father. He will
disown you and forbid you to take the state exam. Even worse, he will not allow you to pray at
the family shrine, and your life will be misery without the blessings of your ancestors.
[EXIT Back: Mother; Master Yi remains looking forlorn, then EXITS Side]
SCENE 8: Master Yi tells Chun-hyang he must leave [SLIDE: Wol-mae’s house]
ENTER Back: Chun-hyang; then seconds later ENTER Side: Master Yi]

My husband, you have come so early today! What a pleasant surprise! [Master Yi looks
forlorn, says nothing] What is the matter? Are you ill? Do you have a fever?

Chun-hyang, listen to me. I bring bad news. [PAUSE; WALKS ] My father has been
appointed as a royal advisor to the king. We are to leave for Seoul this very day.

That’s not bad news! It is wonderful that your father has been promoted to such a high position.

Chun-hyang, listen. My mother has discovered our secret marriage. She has threatened to tell
my father and cast me out of the clan.
Page 9 of 23

Are you saying we must separate? [Begins to cry; hides her head]

Only for a while. After I pass the examination and become a high official, I’ll come back for you.
Wol-mae [Line 14] [Marynna] [ENTER Back: Wol-mae]

Master Yi, I just heard that your father was promoted to Royal Secretary! Congratulations!
[Puzzled; pauses a second] Chun-hyang, do not cry. This is a happy event. Now we will all
be going to the capital.

Mother... [Pauses]

What? [Pauses] Are you taking me and my daughter with you or not?!

Mother, forgive me. It is very difficult... [Pauses]

How can you say that! You can’t abandon your wife as if she were an old shoe! [Begins to cry;
hides her head]

Mother, please calm down.
Wol-mae
I knew that having a nobleman as a son-in-law might cause trouble!
[EXIT Back: Wol-mae]

Husband, please pass the exam, become a high official, and come for me. I’ll wait for you until
you come back.

That is what I will do. I have given you my word.

Dear. [Pauses] It is okay.

My wife. [Pauses] For now, I must go. [EXIT Back: Master Yi; Chen-hyang CIRCLES]
Page 10 of 23
SCENE 9: Chun-hyang watches Master Yi go; is heartbroken
Narrator [Line 5] [Maddie] [SLIDE: Distant mountains, moon, swallow’s nest]

As Master Yi departed, Chun-hyang ran to a high place to watch him go. Like the Mandarin
duck that has lost its mate, Chun-hyang was heartbroken. As she saw her husband leaving,
she saw this much of him, and then that much of him, like a distant moon, like a distant star, and
then, like a butterfly.

I long to go. I long to go. [Pauses] I want to die and become a spring swallow, so I can fly
above my beloved’s roof and build my nest under the eaves. I’ll meet him in the middle of the
night and whisper to him my innermost thoughts. Oh, swallow. I long to go. [CUT?]
[EXIT Side: Chen-hyang]
SCENE 10: The New Governor, Byun Hakdo, arrives in Namwon
[ENTER Back: Governor Byun Hakdo, and Ministers of Agriculture, Finance, the Court,
Guards of Governor] [SLIDE: Governor’s Court]

A few days after Master Yi’s family left, the new governor of Namwon, Byun Hakdo, arrived in
town in splendid fashion. After he was introduced to the chief ministers, he set down to
business.
Governor Byun Hakdo [Line 1] [Nicholas M]

Chief ministers, I have examined your reports. Jeolla Province must do far better, or I will have
you all whipped! Minister of Agriculture, step forward!
Minister of Agriculture [Line 1] [Inika]

Yes, Lord.

Increase rice production by fifty percent. We need more, more, more! Make those farmers
work! [PAUSE] Minister of Finance!
Minister of Finance [Line 1] [Glenn]

Yes, Lord.

The noble families of this province are too wealthy. Squeeze an additional 25 percent tax out of
them! [PAUSE] Minister of the Court!
Minister of the Court [Line 1] [Gurleen]
Page 11 of 23
Yes, Lord.

I heard that Namwon is famous for its beautiful women. Then why are all the women of the court
so wrinkly and unappealing?

I am sorry, Lord.

I was told of a girl who is most beautiful and skilled in literature and the arts. Her name is Chun-
hyang. Bring me this girl at once.

Sir, I am very sorry. She is already secretly married to Yi Mong-Yong, the son of the former
magistrate.

But isn’t her mother a woman of the court?

Yes, Sir, but she is now retired. But… but… [Acts afraid to say]
Minister of Finance [Line 2] [Glenn] [Steps up to help]

But, my Lord, Chun-hyang has not become a woman of the court. Instead, she virtuously has
devoted her time to study and the arts.

What? By her mother she was born a woman of this court, and therefore she is this court’s
property! Stop babbling and fetch her at once! [EXIT Side: Minister of Court, Guards]

A guard ran to the house of Wol-mae and told her that she must send her daughter to the court
immediately. Chun-hyang was soon standing before the new governor.
SCENE 11: Chun-hyang refuses Governor Byun Hakdo [SLIDE: Governor’s Court]
[ENTER Side: Minister of the Court, Chun-hyang, and Guards of Governor; she bows low]

Chun-hyang, I heard much of you, that you are well-educated, skilled in the arts, and graceful.
And today I see you are very beautiful indeed. [Pauses] You will attend my private quarters.
Page 12 of 23
Governor, I am committed to Yi Mong-Yong. That is why I cannot do as you ask.

What did you say?

Sir, I am secretly married to Yi Mong-Yong, the son of the previous governor.

[Laughs] Your intensions are good, it will be noted. But he’ll probably marry a noble girl when
he passes the exam. And he’ll forget all about you. You will serve me from now on.

Sir, I cannot break the law of loyalty. It would be better if you also respected this bond. You will
thereby fulfill your duty to the king to uphold his laws and take care of the people.

Listen to this girl! I will not suffer this insult! Take her to prison!

Why? I have done no wrong. A married woman must be faithful to her husband, just as a
governor must be faithful to the king and the rules of our culture.
Governor Byun Hakdo [Line 12] [Nicholas M] [PROP: Ropes, Chair?]

How dare you! You will die for that! Drag her outside! Tie her to a chair and beat her with
wooden clubs until she changes her mind!
[Guards hold up screen, or EXIT Back: Chun-hyang and Guards of Governor]
Narrator [Line 8 [Maddie]

The guards did as they were ordered. [PAUSE] A guard took up a heavy wooden stick. He
cracked it across Chun-hyang’s shins, and yelled out the word “One!” to note the first blow.
Chun-hyang leaned into the searing pain. Then she bellowed out:

I will reply to the word “One!” One and only one! My love is only for one man! So why are you
doing this to me?

The governor was shocked by her words. Then he replied:

Hit her harder!
Page 13 of 23
After the second blow, Chun-hyang recovered herself and said:

Two! I know a woman’s duty, so how can I serve two men? It’s impossible! So I cannot accept
two!

After the third hit, she called out again.

Three! In my three obligations, I’m loyal to my father, my husband, and my son! I am not a
weak woman! So just kill me!

With each successive blow, Chun-hyang continued to call out in defiance. Finally, after the
tenth hit, she yelled out:

Ten cries for my love!

Then, they untied her from the chair and carried her to prison. [EXIT Back: ALL]
SCENE 12: Master Yi Passes the Exam with Highest Distinction
[ENTER Side: King Sukjong, Father & Mother of Yi, Master Yi] [SLIDE: King’s Court]

Meanwhile, in Seoul, Young Master Yi studied hard, reading night and day countless pages of
Korean classics. [ENTER] The state exam took place while the country stood silent. After
the Royal Instructor had carefully evaluated each person’s work, he handed the name of the
winning scholar to King Sukjong.
King Sukjong [Line 1] [Timur]

The highest distinction for the Royal Civil Service Exam goes to …Yi Mong-Yong! I am very
pleased to see you follow in the footsteps of your talented father, my Royal Secretary. Yi Mong-
Yong, come forward and receive your honors from your father.

My son, these tokens signify first place in the Royal Exam. [Places symbols on him] This
royal seal will show the people that you have been granted a post in the King’s government.
[Hands him the seal]
Page 14 of 23
Yi Mong-Yong. I have decided to give you a special assignment in my government. I will not
reveal it in public but will give you instructions later in private. [Goes back, as others talk]

Congratulations, son! Your concentration on your studies has borne fruit. I am so glad you left
the troubles of Namwon behind and have earned a new life here.

Thank you, Mother. I am ready for my new life. However, I have not put Namwon behind me.
[CUT?] [EXIT Side: Master Yi; EXIT Back: All]
SCENE 13: Master Yi goes on secret assignment; meets farmers and noblemen
Narrator [Line 15] [Maddie] [SLIDE: Country field]

Master Yi was given his secret assignment. After months training for the special task, he set out
with a band of assistants. [ENTER Side: Master Yi and Royal Guards #1-3]
At the border of Jeolla Province, he and his men split up to go to their assigned districts. They
were fully disguised so no one would suspect who they were. At the designated time, they
would meet together in Namwon. [Master Yi CIRCLES; EXIT Side & Back: Royal Guards
#1-3; ENTER Back: Peasants #1-3]
Master Yi set out alone on the road to Namwon. After several days of travel through the
countryside, he came upon a group of peasant farmers hard at their work in the fields.
Peasant #1 [Line 1] [End working]

My bones are starting to creak. It’s time for a break.
Peasant #2 [Line 1] [Elijah] [Turns to Master Yi] [PROP: Water cups]

Hey, vagabond! You look thirsty. Come have some water with us!

Thank you very much. [Drinks] Friends, I’m headed to that town. Is it a good place?
Peasant #3 [Line 1] [Tagir]

Namwon used to be a good place, under our last noble governor, but now it is filled with
demons!

What do you mean?
Peasant #1 [Line 2] [Nicolas G]

Our new governor is a devil and his chiefs are greedy trolls! We have all become grumbling
ghosts because we are so unhappy here now!
Peasant #2 [Line 2] [Elijah]
Page 15 of 23
The governor is squeezing us so much that we hardly have anything to eat!

For his birthday each family has to give him three sacks of rice and a basket full of eggs! He is
robbing the people!

I thought I heard he was a happy man, now that he has married some beauty named Chun-
hyang.

That is a lie! How dare you say that!

Who told you that? He’s an idiot! [The peasants are angry and threaten him]

Look! It’s just what I heard from some man on the road!
[ENTER Back: Noblewomen #1-3; watch the scene]

Chun-hyang is faithful and pure, and she despises that tyrant! He has beaten and imprisoned
her to break her will!

Her fate is even worse than that!

She was secretly married to Master Yi, the son of the former governor, but then he rode off to
Seoul and abandoned her.

He has never come back or even written to her! He is the son of a dog! The son of a pig!

I am so sorry to hear this.
Noblewoman #1 [Line 1] [Liana]

Oh, and I am sorry as well to tell you that it is far worse than that. Haven’t you heard yet,
farmers?
Noblewoman #2 [Line 1] [Isabel]

We have just come from Namwon and heard Governor Byun Hakdo’s announcement.
Page 16 of 23
Noblewoman #3 [Line 1] [Kathryn]

The wretched Governor has decreed that tomorrow the beautiful Chen-hyang will be executed
as the grand finale to his birthday festivities!
Noblewoman #1 [Line 2] [Liana]

The demon will put Chen-hyang to death for her loyalty to her husband, which is unchanging
like the pine and bamboo.
Noblewoman #2 [Line 2] [Isabel]

He is a beast! We nobles hate him just as much as you. He squeezes us just like you to make
us poor and powerless.
Noblewoman #3 [Line 2] [Kathryn]

It would be more fitting for Governor Byun to kill himself and that young dog Yi Mong-Yong.
Chen-hyang’s conduct is far superior to these two rats that have been a plague on her life.

Truly, this is heartbreaking news. I am very sorry to upset you, farmers. I must be on my way.
[EXIT Side: Master Yi; EXIT Back: Peasants & Noblewomen]
SCENE 15: Master Yi goes to the House of Wol-mae [SLIDE: House of Wol-mae]
ENTER Back: Hyang-Dan, Wol-mae, sits in front of altar; then ENTER Side: Master Yi]

Master Yi hurried on his way. After the night had fallen dark, he arrived at the house of Wol-
mae, his mother-in-law. As he approached the gate, he heard a voice in the back garden.

I pray… I pray… I pray to the Gods of Heaven and Earth, and the Gods of the Sun, the Moon,
and the Stars…please come and help me… My daughter is in jail and about to be put to death.
Please make my son-in-law a royal emissary or a lord of Jeolla Province. Please help him save
my daughter’s life.

Faithful Mother. I thought I earned the top spot on the exam because of my efforts. But maybe
I owe it to the prayers of my mother-in-law and Chun-hyang. [Pauses and then steps closer]

Come out! Come out!

Who is it so late? May I help you?
Page 17 of 23

I have arrived! It’s Yi Mong-Yong from Seoul!

How can this be? [Gets up] Is it true, or is it a cruel joke? [She walks closer] Let me see
your face. [Stops] This can’t be… Look at the son of the ex-governor. Look at the way he is
dressed. [Drops to the ground and cries] I prayed day and night you would return as a high
official, but you came back as this country’s filthiest beggar!

A crisis struck our family and my father lost his job. I couldn’t take the exam. All our wealth is
gone, and I’ve been begging ever since.

Now Chun-hyang’s dead! She is dead for certain! [She cries; Hyang-dan comforts her]

Mother-in-law, please don’t cry. I heard about Chun-hyang’s fate and came to give you
courage. [Pauses; walks] When the day is bright in the morning, no one knows what Chen-
hyang will ride, either the death carriage or the fortune carriage. There is a way out of every
situation. [Helps Wol-mae up; EXIT Back: Master Yi, Wol-mae, Hyang-dan]

After some time, the house of Wol-mae grew quiet. Master Yi slept in Chen-hyang’s room, but
when his Mother-in-law came to get him in the morning, she was surprised to find that he was
not there.
SCENE 16: Governor Byun Hakdo’s birthday celebration
ENTER Side: Governor Byun Hakdo, Ministers of Agriculture, Finance, the Court, Guards
of the Governor] [SLIDE: Governor’s pavilion ]

The next day the sky was bright and brilliant blue. The birthday feast for Governor Byun Hakdo
took place in a beautiful pavilion that teemed with visiting mayors from neighboring counties,
noblemen, ladies of the court, musicians, and performers. Vagabonds from near and far also
had come and hoped to get well-treated by the feast’s many guests. [PAUSE] After the
festivities were well under way, a commotion broke out at one of the entrances. ENTER Side:
Master Yi; scuffling with Guards at the door; Minister of Agriculture, Finance go over]

What is this disturbance?
Page 18 of 23
Sir, a beggar who says he is a nobleman insists that we let him in.

My Lord, although his garments are worn, he wears the clothes of a noble. Let us show our
hospitality and serve him some refreshments.

Yes, on this happy occasion, let him in and serve him.

As the guests looked upon this dusty intruder, they smiled at his odd appearance and continued
to enjoy themselves. [Assistants serve Yi food] [PROP: Food]
Master Yi [Line 47] [Jimmy] [PROP: Poem]

Governor, I am obliged to you for allowing me in and giving me this tasty drink. I wish to repay
you with a little poem I have written.

Sir, please allow this impolite gentleman who keeps interrupting to read his poem. Then, you
will be free to send him away.

All right. Vagabond, read your poem. But if I find it unsatisfactory, I will have you clubbed five
times. Let the minister read it.

Thank you, Sir. [hands the poem to Minister of the Court]

How tasteless, this man…

Watch out. He might have fleas. [They laugh]

This wine in golden goblets
Is the blood of a thousand people.
The magnificent food on these jade tables
Is the flesh and marrow of ten thousand lives.
When the festive candle wax drops
The flowing tears of starving peasants fall.
Louder than these noisy, celebratory songs
Resound the complaints of the oppressed peasants.
Page 19 of 23

Who is this man?

We are in trouble.
Governor Byun Hakdo [Line 17] [Nicholas M] [Laughs; handed the poem, crumbles it up]
Ha, ha, ha. This is foolish.
Minister of Agriculture [Line 5] [Inika] [Frightened, gets up to exit]

My Lord, something has come up unexpectedly. I am very sorry, but I must go at once. [
Minister of Finance [Line 6] [Glenn] [Frightened, gets up to exit]

Sir, my wife is ill today. I must go as well.
Minister of the Court [Line 7] [Gurleen] [Frightened, gets up to exit]

Me too, Sir. I have some urgent matters to attend to.
Governor Byun Hakdo [Line 18] [Nicholas M] [Getting disturbed]

What? Has this dusty vagabond spooked you! Why make a fuss over some crazy man’s poem!
Please, sit down! Enjoy the party!

I must be going!
[Ministers go to Side; Master Yi signals with fan; ENTER Side: Yi’s Royal Guards]
Royal Guard #1 [Line 1] [Alice] [PROP: Royal Emmissary’s robe & hat; ropes]
In the King’s name, you are all under arrest! [Holds up the King’s Royal Seal; a great
melee ensures; one Guard puts royal robe and hat on Master Yi]
SCENE 17: Master Yi and the Royal Guards Condemn the Government Criminals

Royal Guards, bind these criminals tight! [Pause] Read the charges!
Royal Guard #2 [Line 1] [Anthony]

Ministers of the Governor! You stole from the people and made them impoverished.
Royal Guard #3 [Line 1] [Anjali]

Your job was to keep a close watch on the Governor, but you aided his crimes and fattened
your own pockets as well.
Royal Guard #1 [Line 2] [Alice]

Now, it is you who will be humbled!
Page 20 of 23
Royal Guard #2 [Line 2] [Anthony]

Byun Hakdo! The King gave you instructions to feed the people well, and instead you fed upon
them!
Royal Guard #3 [Line 2] [Anjali]

In the name of the King, you are condemned and banished to a faraway island without company
or food!
Royal Guard #1 [Line 3] [Alice]

You shall eat the wild grass till your stomach repents for the way you abused the people of
Namwon!

Scoundrels! Didn’t you care about the people? [Pauses] Royal guards, divide what they stole
from the people and give it back to them. Take them away!
Royal Guards All

Yes, Sir! [EXIT Side: Guards #1-2, Governor, Ministers]
SCENE 18: Chen-hyang is brought before Master Yi, the Royal Emissary
Master Yi [Line 51] [Jimmy] [SLIDE: Governor’s

pavilion ]
I heard that a lady of the court disobeyed the governor. Bring that Chun-hyang to me!
[EXIT Side: Royal Guard #3; REENTER with Chun-hyang bound]

Untie her! [Pauses] Chun-hyang, listen to me! How dare you insult and disobey the governor!
How could you expect to live?

I am a married woman. So, what injustice have I done?

I know that you refused the Governor. [PAUSE] But, now, will you refuse me as well?

I thought the King sent the Royal Emissary to take care of the people’s suffering. But, you’re
just like the old Governor! Stop this humiliation me and just kill me!

Chun-hyang, look at me.
Page 21 of 23

I’m as good as dead. Just kill me.

How can I kill you, someone who has been loyal to her husband? Instead, I’ll send you to Yi
Mong-yong. [Chun-hyang looks up at him]

My husband. [She cries; Master Yi embraces her]

Chen-hyang, you have suffered through so much. I am very sorry. Now, all is as it should be.
[ENTER SIDE: Royal Guard #1-2, Bang-ja, Wol-mae, and Hyang-dan]
Bang-ja [Line 19] [Robert] [Commotion as Guards attempt to stop them]

Let us in! She’s the mother-in-law of the secret Royal Emissary!

Guards, she is the mother of the Royal Emissary’s wife! Let us in! [Guards let them in]

My son-in-law! [PAUSE] Last night he was a beggar and today he is the secret Royal
Emissary!

Mother.

Is this another one of my dreams, or is this really happening?

Mother, at long last, our dream has come true.

People of Namwon, the Gods have answered our prayers! My son-in-law is now the Royal
Emissary! He has saved my daughter! He has delivered the people from the evil Governor!
People of Namwon! Hurrah! Hurrah! [All cheer]
[CIRCLE ALL: Royal Guards, Master Yi, Chun-hyang, Wol-mae, Hyang-dan, Bang-ja;]
SCENE 19: Chen-hyang is rewarded by King and accepted by Master Yi’s parents
[ENTER Back: King Sukjong, Father & Mother of Yi] [SLIDE: King’s Court ]
Page 22 of 23
Yi Mong-Yong took his bride back to Seoul and wrote out her story as part of his official report.
The King read it and was surprised to find such faithfulness in a country girl of low birth.

Chen-hyang, I have been moved by your story of tremendous hardship and great loyalty to my
Royal Emissary, Yi Mong-Yong. Therefore, I bestow upon you the royal title of ch'ung-nyol
puin, faithful wife. I ask the parents of Yi Mong-Yong to accept you as a full member of their
noble family.

Chen-hyang, although you were born to a lowly class, your character is as noble as the purest
high-born daughter.

My daughter, your conduct should be a model for all women. Earlier, our family lacked
understanding and failed you. Please forgive our shortcomings. We are humbled to be able to
call you our daughter and the wife of our son.

Thank you, honored Mother and Father.

At last, all that was wrong had been righted, and all were contented and at peace. In time,
Chun-hyang bore three sons and two daughters, and they all lived happily for many years come.
The End
Page 23 of 23

The Story of Chun-Hyang, VERSION 11: Characters

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The Story of Chun-Hyang, VERSION 11: Characters

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The Story of Chun-hyang, VERSION 11

1. Narrator [21 lines] Maddie

SCENE 1: Historical Background, Geography, Master Yi Wants a Break from Study

Narrator [line 1] [Maddie] [SLIDE: Geography, maps]

Master Yi [Line 1] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 1] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 2] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 2] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 3] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 3] [Robert]

SCENE 2: Master Yi sees Chen-hyang swinging on a tree

Bang-ja [Line 4] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 4] [Jimmy]

Narrator [Line 3] [Maddie] [SLIDE: Swinging girls]

Master Yi [Line 5] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 5] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 6] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 6] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 7] [Jimmy]

SCENE 3: Fetching Chun-hyang

[ENTER Back: Chen-hyang, Hyang-dan] [SLIDE: Outdoor Pavilion]

Hyang-dan [Line 1] [Trinity] [Bang-ja flicks Hyang-dan’s hair]

Bang-ja [Line 7] [Robert]

Hyang-dan [Line 2] [Trinity]

Bang-ja [Line 8] [Robert]

Hyang-dan [Line 3] [Trinity]

Bang-ja [Line 9] [Robert]

Chun-hyang [Line 1] [Elena]

Bang-ja [Line 10] [Robert]

Hyang-dan [Line 4] [Trinity]

Bang-ja [Line 11] [Robert]

Hyang-dan [Line 5] [Trinity]

SCENE 4: Master Li receives Chun-hyang’s Response

Master Yi [Line 8] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 12] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 9] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 13] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 10] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 14] [Robert]

Master Yi [Line 11] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 15] [Robert]

SCENE 5: Master Li goes to Chun-hyang near the swing

[ENTER Back: Chen-hyang, Hyang-dan] [SLIDE: Outdoor Pavilion]

Chun-hyang [Line 2] [Elena]

Hyang-dan [Line 6] [Trinity]

Chun-hyang [Line 3] [Elena]

Hyang-dan [Line 7] [Trinity] [ENTER Side: Master Yi, Bang-ja]

Master Yi [Line 12] [Jimmy]

Chun-hyang [Line 4] [Elena]

Master Yi [Line 13] [Jimmy]

Bang-ja [Line 17] [Robert]

Hyang-dan [Line 8] [Trinity]

SCENE 6: Master Yi asks to marry Chun-hyang [SLIDE: Wol-mae’s house]

Wol-mae [Line 1] [Marynna]

Wol-mae [Line 2] [Marynna]

Hyang-dan [Line 10] [Trinity] [Goes to door]

Hyang-dan [Line 11] [Trinity]

Wol-mae [Line 3] [Marynna]

Master Yi [Line 14] [Jimmy]

Wol-mae [Line 4] [Marynna]

Master Yi [Line 15] [Jimmy]

Wol-mae [Line 5] [Marynna]