The Aspects of the Ruler's Empathy and the Anthropological Meaning in Oral Folktales, <food that moved the king>: Focusing on the Realization of Transcendental Values Based on Empathy

This study explores the empathy of rulers towards their subjects and the transcendental values and meaning of human existence realized through such empathy, as illustrated in the oral folktale “The Food That Moved the King.” This story is a representative example of the Sukjong tales, a subset of folktales where the king, in disguise, mingles with the common people to identify and reward virtuous and capable individuals. However, rather than focusing on the overarching concept of the Sukjong tales, this study examines the narrative within the individual folktale to understand the meanings that the tale's enjoyers hoped to pass down to future generations. While the ethical behavior of the people can be explained as the duty of subjects in a Confucian state, the rewards given by the king require a different perspective. The king, descending from his high position to the same level as the people, practices benevolent governance by seeking out and rewarding those who embody ethical virtues. This reflects the ruler's duty as envisioned by the tale's enjoyers. However, if the purpose of the king's incognito visits is simply to reward ethical behavior, the relationship between the king and his subjects would not need to continue after the reward is given. In the folktale “The Food That Moved the King,” however, beyond material rewards, there is a greater emphasis on the king's intimate relationship with the people, his consideration for their feelings (“maeum hea-rim”), and his thoughtful attention (“maeum sseum”). The tale's enjoyers did not want the king to judge them based on fleeting, superficial impressions but to recognize their worth as individuals through a process of intimate connection, consideration, and thoughtful attention. This reflects the philosophical principle that all humans possess dignity and deserve mutual respect, a value that can be realized through free will. This value is transcendental, realized by humans embodying divine essence, and it is achieved through empathy.