“Poison” in Korean Historical Dramas
From cable TV channels to mainstream broadcasting and even rental video stores, a wide variety of Korean historical dramas have recently taken the spotlight. These dramas are typically set in the time frame from the 14th to the 17th century, which aligns roughly with Japan’s Muromachi to Edo periods.
These dramas delve into power struggles, miscarriage-inducing concoctions, and even explore the compatibility of poisons with food. It’s fascinating how these dramas delve so deeply into these aspects, which isn’t as common in Japanese historical dramas.
For instance, in “Dae Jang Geum” (Jewel in the Palace), the king’s orders lead to poisoning in the very first episode. Other instances involve political figures and royalty being administered brown liquid concoctions as a form of punishment.
Now, it’s important to clarify that the definition of “poison” in these dramas might differ from what actual pharmacists refer to as “poison.” In this context, I’ll be discussing the common societal notion of “poison.”
Historical Background
Considering the span from the Muromachi to the early Edo period, various types of poison come to mind: mineral, plant-based, animal-derived, and insect toxins.
Mineral poison includes the familiar “arsenic.” Even in the drama “Hur Jun,” arsenic finds its place.
Plant-based toxins range from those originating in China to unique Korean varieties. Common examples encountered in dramas include “poisonous mushrooms” and “monkshood.”
Animal-derived toxins involve marine substances like “pufferfish” and “shellfish,” while on land, “venomous snakes” and “toads” are plausible candidates.
Insect toxins such as “scorpions,” “spiders,” “moths,” and “bees” are also considered.
Microbial toxins caused by “mold” exist today, but the understanding of microorganisms was limited during that era.
Characteristics of Poisons in Dramas
Let’s focus on “lethal poisons” intended for causing fatalities in this exploration.
Firstly, let’s examine the symptoms that arise upon ingesting these poisons.
Common Patterns in Dramas:
- “Assassination Poison” (used when the king orders the execution of nobles)
- Immediate “vomiting of blood” after ingestion, with little to no coughing
- Inevitable fatality
Of course, we understand that these are fictional portrayals.
Analyzing the Criteria for Poison Selection
Considering the common patterns of poisons, let’s analyze the criteria for selecting poisons. Many characters are killed through poison during banishments or while en route to exile.
Criterion 1: Assassination Poison (used in executions)
The “assassination poison” is utilized when the king sentences nobles (both male and female) or royalty to death.
According to Confucian principles, harming the body one receives from their parents is considered unfilial. This method of execution preserves the pride of these nobles as they die with their noble status intact—an equivalent of seppuku, which involves a second with a ceremonial sword in Japanese culture.
Regarding this criterion, it becomes apparent that “immediate execution upon royal decree” is essential.
The poison must be consistently available in a four-season climate (accessible). It should be storable. It must be transportable (without harming the carrier).
The aforementioned conditions are vital requirements.
Poisonous mushrooms have an unstable refinement process. Moreover, like pufferfish poison, they might not be readily usable at any time, ruling them out as candidates.
“Coniine,” the poison used for Socrates’ execution, is derived from hemlock. This poison wasn’t native to Asia at that time, making it an unlikely choice for executions.
Criterion 2: Immediate Blood Vomiting upon Ingestion
Most internal medicines undergo processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion after ingestion.
In the case of a lethal poison, absorption and distribution are likely sufficient, but considering the immediate vomiting of blood, it’s necessary for the poison to be absorbed either in the oral cavity or stomach.
Furthermore, since there’s no coughing despite ingesting the liquid, it’s safe to rule out the “lungs” as the site of absorption.
The action should be as rapid as alcohol consumption. Additionally, the occurrence of blood vomiting implies damage to the stomach lining.
Moreover, substances like strong acids or bases and extremely bitter compounds are unsuitable for ingestion (even vinegar-level bitterness would lead to spitting it out).
Criterion 3: Certain Fatality
This criterion necessitates a clear understanding of the lethal dosage—meaning the poison must have been repeatedly used.
Furthermore, there should be no available antidotes or methods of detoxification during that era. While some strategies involved preemptively consuming antidotes or acclimating the body to poison, when aiming for certain fatality, a poison with no countermeasures would be required.
Poison Candidates Meeting the Criteria
Considering these criteria, candidates for these poisons would be “arsenic” or “monkshood.”
Arsenic, being a mineral, offers stable storage options.
Monkshood can be used as a medicinal herb with proper processing, and it was known for its potent toxicity.
Using either or both substances could potentially create an instant-acting poison.
However, human physiology isn’t as straightforward, and from the descriptions, it appears that individuals suffered for over five hours in some cases, not succumbing to death.
In Conclusion
This exploration sheds light on the lethal poisons featured in Korean historical dramas. The execution methods for nobles and royalty reflect a cultural tradition of avoiding physical harm. We’ve analyzed these poisons based on the criteria of accessibility, stability, immediacy of effects, and knowledge of lethal dosages.
Visiting Korean museums or related institutions might offer further insights. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Korean dramas from a different perspective.
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