[Market Economy Guide] Choice

“Father, please let me choose my own spouse.”

…You can be happy only if you are free to choose

During the Imjin War, if Admiral Yi Sun-sin defended the sea, then on land General Jeong Giryong made distinguished contributions to repelling the Japanese raiders. From childhood, General Jeong Giryong loved horseback riding and archery, and when he played soldier with other children, he was so exceptional that he would even punish those who misbehaved under military rules.

General Jeong Giryong

Later, after passing the military service examination, General Jeong Giryong took the lead in defending his country during the Imjin War, winning battle after battle against the Japanese raiders. But even for the victorious general, an unexpected trial came. In the fierce battle of Jinju Fortress, he ultimately lost his wife. Though the general fell into deep grief, as if his heart had been torn apart, a new turn of fate awaited him when, in the 27th year of King Seonjo’s reign, he briefly stayed at the home of Gwon, the acting county magistrate of Jeonju, on official business.

Magistrate Gwon had an only daughter who possessed both beauty and virtue, and because she had shown unusual intelligence and foresight from an early age, his affection for her was especially deep. There was, however, one serious concern he had about her. Each time he tried to arrange a husband for her now that she was of marriageable age, she firmly refused and would not change her mind.

One day, unable to suppress his frustration any longer, Magistrate Gwon called his daughter in and seriously asked why she would not marry. After listening solemnly, the daughter quietly opened her mouth and clearly expressed her thoughts.

The Right to Choose One’s Marriage

“Father, marriage is among the most important affairs in human life. If the spouse chosen by my parents is not the right one, my whole life will be ruined. That would also make me unfilial toward you. So please allow me to find my own spouse.”

Sensing the firm resolve beneath his daughter’s respectful tone, Magistrate Gwon decided not to press the marriage any further. Several years passed, and before long his daughter had become an old maid. Around that time, General Jeong Giryong came to the Gwon household.

When Magistrate Gwon’s daughter saw General Jeong Giryong—with his handsome appearance, dignified bearing, and sharp, intelligent eyes—she declared that she had finally found her match and asked her father to arrange the marriage. Magistrate Gwon also found General Jeong Giryong trustworthy, and since his daughter had at last decided to marry, he accepted her request. But when he heard the proposal, General Jeong Giryong could not readily give an answer. Not only was it unexpected, but he was already a widower who had once been married and had lost his wife. Magistrate Gwon, however, did not mind, and in the end General Jeong Giryong and Gwon’s daughter were joined in marriage.

Meanwhile, Gwon’s daughter owned a fine horse that only she could tame. By marrying her, General Jeong Giryong gained both a wise wife and a superb steed, and with the financial support of his in-laws, he was also able to make weapons to use in defeating the Japanese enemy. In the end, Gwon’s daughter’s choice brought good results not only for herself but for General Jeong Giryong as well.

A Free Society

But as Magistrate Gwon’s daughter had feared, what would have become of her and General Jeong Giryong if she had married the man her father chose? If my life is ruined because of someone else’s choice, there can hardly be anything more unhappy or unjust. That is why people must be able to choose for themselves in pursuit of happiness—not only whom to marry, but also what to eat, where to live, which school to attend, what job to take, and where to travel. But without freedom, the very right to choose is not granted. Therefore, choice may be called another name for freedom, and only a society that properly guarantees the right to choose can be called a free society.

■ Please remember

Without freedom, the very right to choose is not granted. Therefore, choice may be called another name for freedom, and only a society that properly guarantees the right to choose can be called a free society.

Sung-no Choi

President, Center for Free Enterprise (CFE)

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Original title: [시장경제 길라잡이] 선택권

Author: Sung-no Choi

Date: 2020-01-27

Source: https://www.cfe.org/bbs/bbsDetail.php?cid=column&pn=10&idx=22320