Who, Like Ahn Se-young in Badminton, Tried to Reform Bad Practices?

 

Ahn Se-young Criticizing the Bad Practices in Badminton

Ahn Se-young is the athlete who brought South Korea its first badminton singles gold medal in 28 years. After winning the gold medal, she mentioned in an interview that anger was her driving force and pointed out the problems within the Badminton Association. As a result of her statement, the Badminton Association came under scrutiny. During the investigation, allegations emerged that the president of the Badminton Association had misappropriated 30% of the sponsorship money, and unfavorable contract terms for the athletes were also revealed. Despite her success, Ahn Se-young did not receive a warm welcome from the association upon her return to Korea. Breaking her silence, Ahn revealed that since middle school, she had been responsible for doing the laundry of her senior players. People were shocked by the fact that a national athlete, who was already exhausted from training, was also expected to do such chores. This practice was a customary tradition between seniors and juniors, and Ahn expressed her belief that such bad practices would not be easily eliminated.

Yi I, Who Tried to Reform the Myeonsinrye in the Joseon Dynasty

Myeonsinrye (免新禮) was a ritual in the Joseon Dynasty for newly appointed government officials to be recognized as formal members by hosting senior officials or undergoing penalties imposed by their seniors. Although initially intended to test the capabilities and humility of the newcomers, this tradition became more corrupt over time. As part of the ritual, newcomers were required to provide food and endure various punishments, such as having their faces painted, touching dirty objects and drinking the water they washed their hands in, or rolling in mud. In some cases, new officials even died due to excessive drinking or refusing to perform absurd acts. Yi I (李珥), a renowned scholar and philosopher of the Joseon Dynasty, was also subject to Myeonsinrye but rejected the unjust tradition, resulting in long-term ostracization by his seniors. Later, Yi I appealed to King Seonjo, stating, "The cultivation of talent may not bear immediate results, but we cannot help but reform the harmful practices that disrupt education. Nowadays, newly passed scholars are tormented at the office, where seniors punish them with unbearable indignities. How can the men of character, who do not even view the passing of the exam as a great achievement, endure such disgraceful acts like tearing hats, ripping clothes, and rolling in mud? Who among them would ever want to serve the country? In China, they greet newly appointed officials with great courtesy, so if they were to hear of this, they would surely call it the custom of barbarians." Upon hearing this, King Seonjo ordered the immediate abolition of these practices.

 

 

Empress Dowager Cixi's Abolition of Foot Binding

"Foot binding (纏足)" was a custom in which young girls or women’s feet were intentionally bound to prevent them from growing. This tradition, a beauty standard in China, had lasted for 1,000 years, originating from the Song Dynasty. The Qing Dynasty, China’s last ruling dynasty, was governed by the Manchus, who initially did not follow the foot binding custom. However, as more men grew to prefer bound feet, Manchu women also began adopting the practice. Empress Dowager Cixi (西太后), who wielded power in the late Qing Dynasty, is often labeled one of China's three notorious women. However, as a woman herself, she cared deeply about women’s rights and education and took steps toward reform. After listening to the demands of civil groups, she issued an official decree to abolish foot binding. The edict read, "The practice of foot binding among Chinese women is harmful to their health. Therefore, we urge all officials and prominent individuals to ensure that this harmful custom does not continue and is eradicated from this country forever. We expect you to use all your influence and effort to abolish foot binding within your family and community." As China rapidly modernized, influenced by modern civilization, the harmful practice of foot binding was eventually abolished.

 

Click if you want to read another article recommended by JadeWolveS.

What Movie Should You Watch After Spring in Seoul?