"The Tale of Choe Cheok" is a work of narrative prose written in 1621 by litterateur Jo Wi-han (1567 1649). The story is set in a time of tremendous historical and political change, when Joseon was facing a difficult strategic decision: an amicable relationship with Ming or the military threat of the Manchus. However, this is not a story that concerns itself with the rise and fall of states or the challenges facing societies. Instead, it focuses on individual experiences. In short, the ultimate human values that motivate the characters to survive are love between the male and female protagonists and family bonds in happiness. About the Series: This collection of stories from the Joseon Dynasty portrays the lives of people who were deeply immersed in Confucianism and its venerated ethics. The books in the series look at the lives of women, artists, lovers, aristocrats, and commoners, providing a vibrant understanding of the Joseon period.