Park Jong-yang

Pak Chŏngyang was a Korean Joseon dynasty politician and edification activist, as well as a member of the Independence Club and the People's Joint Association. He was a supporter of the slow modernization of Korea under the Joseon dynasty and himself belonged to the Bannam Park clan. He was also the father of famous Korean playwright Park Seung-hui. Pak Chŏngyang was appointed ambassador to the United States by the king in 1887. This diplomatic mission was strongly opposed by the Qing dynasty of China, which viewed Korea as a vassal state.Joseon was enjoying Westphalian sovereignty at the time of the diplomatic mission. After many years' conflict, Pak was punished and ostracized. The episode is considered representative of Korea's desire for complete independence colliding with the Qing desire to maintain traditional tributary ties, with Pak becoming a victim of this conflict. Pak was also the author of a few books.