Jung Hae-in's Ancestor, Laid the Foundation for 'Scientific Investigation' 200 Years Ago.. Jeong Yak-yong's 'Heumheumsinseo', the Book that Changed Joseon [History Special]

*This content was translated by AI.

'History Special-Time Traveler' focuses on Jeong Yak-yong, a late Joseon-era Silhak scholar, and his criminal practice manual 'Heumheumsinseo'.

On the night of the 20th, KBS 1TV's 'History Special-Time Traveler' Episode 38 will air as the first installment of the 'Three-Part Series on Books that Changed Joseon,' titled 'The Pursuit of Truth: Jeong Yak-yong's Heumheumsinseo.' This episode introduces another side of Jeong Yak-yong, a genius Silhak scholar and Confucianist of Joseon.

Jeong Yak-yong is commonly known for his works 'Mokminshimseo' and 'Gyeongseeyupyo.' A man who constantly pondered new systems and ideas for the sake of Joseon and its people, Jeong Yak-yong left behind another notable work: 'Heumheumsinseo.' What kind of changes did this book bring to Joseon?

'Heumheumsinseo' is a collection of criminal case precedents from the Joseon era and a practical guide for investigating cases. Jeong Yak-yong sought to determine causes of death through examination (geonhyeom) and evidence, moving away from reliance on confessions. His book 'Heumheumsinseo' contains records of investigations and retrials from the Joseon period. 'Heumheum ()' means "to be cautious and even more cautious." Just as this name reflects Jeong Yak-yong's careful approach to human life, 'Heumheumsinseo' demonstrates legal principles and rules for criminal trials that must be upheld regardless of the era.

Even during his approximately 18 years of exile beginning in 1801 after King Jeongjo's death, Jeong Yak-yong left behind numerous books. The traces of his deep concern for Joseon's reality and the lives of its people are fully reflected in his writings. 'Heumheumsinseo' was also born through this process.

Crimes and incidents continue to occur even in modern society. Written over 200 years ago, 'Heumheumsinseo' contains principles that must be followed to uncover the truth—principles that remain unchanged despite shifting times. It emphasizes correcting mistaken judgments and thoroughly examining cases to ensure no innocent person suffers injustice. We explore the enduring significance of these principles within 'Heumheumsinseo.'

From cases where the true culprit was identified among two suspects, to instances distinguishing homicide from suicide using contemporary scientific investigation techniques, and even cases establishing strict criteria for applying murder charges. Through the records in Jeong Yak-yong's 30-volume, 10-book compilation 'Heumheumsinseo,' we encounter another facet of Jeong Yak-yong, known only as a Silhak scholar.

Episode 38 of 'History Special-Time Traveler,' titled 'The Pursuit of Truth: Jeong Yak-yong's Heumheumsinseo,' the first story in the three-part series on books that changed Joseon, will air at 9:30 p.m. on the night of the 20th on KBS 1TV (schedule may change due to Asian Games broadcast).

Meanwhile, actor Jung Hae-in is known to be a direct sixth-generation descendant of Jeong Yak-yong.

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*This content was translated by AI.