“Ugh… This is so frustrating…”
Hyang grumbled in his room after repeated failed attempts with not just the topknot but also the gache (wig).
While everyone acknowledged Hyang’s reputation and abilities, the wall of tradition proved too formidable even for him to break down.
“I muttered it jokingly back then, but the age of imperialist powers might have been more convenient.”
Hyang sat with his arms crossed, glaring at a blank piece of paper.
***
In the 19th century, during the era of Western imperialism, removing the topknot was a symbol of modernization.
“Let’s break free from our long-standing isolation and move forward like the Western barbarians!”
“Look at the culture and clothing of those barbarians! Look at the skyscrapers where they live! Shouldn’t we live like that too?”
“To live like them, we must break away from old customs and bad habits of the past! There’s no time to waste!”For those who called for rapid and active opening of borders and modernization, the topknot was a symbol of old customs that needed to be destroyed.
Thus, after announcing the Hair-Cutting Edict for ‘hygiene’ reasons, they chose force instead of enlightenment.
The problem was that by choosing force over enlightenment, the people’s discontent grew. On top of that, the Japanese, who were steadily swallowing up Joseon, all had short hair and wore Western suits.
As a result, Joseon people came to view ‘short hair = pro-Japanese,’ leading to fierce resistance.
However, through the reconstruction period after independence, the notion deeply ingrained in Koreans was ‘topknot = uncivilized & conservative.’
***
“The problem is that now the West is actually lagging behind. Even being generous, they’re two or three steps behind.”
Hyang muttered, tapping his fingers on the desk.
As Hyang said, Europe at this time was far behind Joseon and China in many aspects.
“In this situation, we can’t possibly say we should emulate the Westerners. Besides, that damn hairstyle…”
Based on the information gathered so far through Pietro, Raphael, Mansur, and the recently arrived alchemists and mathematicians, Europe was just at the end of the Middle Ages and on the brink of the Renaissance.
***
France, considered the most powerful country in Europe, was engaged in the Hundred Years’ War with England. Although it was said that battles were mainly fought for negotiation purposes, war was war.
Remembering the hairstyles from 21st-century movies, Hyang referred to it as a “shitty hairstyle.”
The hairstyles of men in movies featuring Joan of Arc, an icon of the Hundred Years’ War, were mostly either the “ho-seop-i” style (note 1) or a bob cut with a straight fringe (note 2).
For Hyang, these were hairstyles he could never consider attractive, even if his life depended on it. Especially the “ho-seop-i” style, which required as much maintenance as a topknot to look stylish with its two-block cut.
Shaking his head to dispel the memories, Hyang continued to grumble.
“The next period is problematic too.”
The popular hairstyle for European men during the Renaissance period was long hair reaching the shoulders. Most wore this long hair loose or trimmed the ends inward in a rounded style. To Joseon people, it would have looked like a ‘disheveled style only beggars would wear.’
The hairstyle of the 17th-18th centuries that followed involved gathering the long hair at the back and braiding it. Those in official positions and nobles wore white wigs over this styled hair or powdered it white. Again, if Joseon people saw this, they would have clicked their tongues saying, ‘Just tie a topknot instead! And why is a man putting powder on his head?’
***
After pondering for a while, Hyang scratched his head irritably and muttered.
“Dammit! Should I just go ahead and do it like I did with the smallpox vaccine back then? Now, there’s probably no one who would make a fuss even if I just went ahead…”
Hyang considered the possibility, thinking of the court officials who had become accustomed to change during the reforms.
“If the noble of the past or the Confucian Taliban I knew saw the current mindset of the court officials, they’d say, ‘You Confucian traitors! Stay right there! I’ll bring the poison!’ So there’s a possibility… but it’s still uncertain…”
In the history before Hyang’s intervention, when the Hair-Cutting Edict was proclaimed, those who opposed cried out, ‘The body, hair, and skin are received from one’s parents, and not daring to damage them is the beginning of filial piety.’ Therefore, while preparing arguments for the Hair-Cutting Edict, Hyang had prepared counterarguments – such as trimming nails and cutting hair – to use if this phrase was brought up. However, the ministers only argued about tradition and the existence of alternatives.
Thus, Hyang saw a possibility but was still uneasy. The topknot was a tradition dating back to the Gojoseon era. Even for Hyang, a misstep could bring about a critical political controversy, and in the worst case, lead to his being deposed as Crown Prince.
Hyang continued to scratch his head and mutter.
“Also, going completely Western style doesn’t feel right either… But considering hygiene issues, it’s necessary…”
After contemplating for a long time, Hyang smacked his lips.
“I guess I’ll have to go with two tracks. We’ll have to gradually make people get used to short hair over time and expand the range of choices.”
Having decided on a direction, Hyang soon chose an appropriate target.
“It has to be the military…”
***
The main reason Sejong and the ministers opposed was, ‘If head hygiene is the problem, frequent washing is the solution.’
“But the problem is that the military, especially the cavalry stationed in the north doing long-distance patrols and the navy embarking on long voyages, can’t wash frequently. If we argue for short hair based on non-combat losses due to disease, the possibility is high. And if we use it as a substitute for keepsakes, it would have symbolic meaning too. Phew~.”
Sighing, Hyang came to a conclusion.
“This should work out fine.”
***
Although he had found a way to proceed on two tracks, Hyang felt something was lacking.
“I’ve advised frequent hair washing, but there probably won’t be much of a response. It’s not easy to untie and retie a topknot, after all.”
While scratching his head and pointing out the problem, Hyang spat out a curse filled with irritation.
“Ah, shit! Why is my head so itchy? It’s only been two days since I bathed and washed my hair! Bath…”
Hyang, who was about to call for a eunuch, suddenly stopped.
After a moment of contemplation, he immediately snapped his fingers.
“This is it!”
***
The next day, the deputy ministers of the Ministry of Finance headed to the Eastern Palace at Hyang’s summons.
“Your Highness! The deputy ministers of the Ministry of Finance have arrived.”
“Let them in.”
“Yes. Come in.”
Guided by the eunuch, the deputy ministers entered and bowed politely to Hyang.
“Welcome, everyone. It’s good to see you. Oh?”
While returning the greeting to the deputy ministers, Hyang’s face brightened upon seeing a familiar face.
“Isn’t this Scholar Im? It’s been a long time! Have you been promoted to deputy minister? Congratulations!”
Im Soon-wook, who had entered office through Sejong’s special appointment disguised as forced recruitment, had already been promoted to deputy minister.
Seeing Hyang’s face full of delight, Im Soon-wook replied with an embarrassed expression.
“Thanks to His Majesty’s great grace, this unworthy one has been promoted rapidly.”
“Hahaha! Father is always fair in these matters, so I can see Scholar Im’s, no, Deputy Minister Im’s abilities. By the way, which department are you in charge of?”
“Currently, I’m in charge of the 3rd Deputy Minister position in the Ministry of Finance.”
Hyang’s face brightened even more at Im Soon-wook’s answer.
The 1st Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Finance was in charge of national finance, the 2nd Deputy Minister handled foreign trade, and the 3rd Deputy Minister was responsible for domestic prices and market trends.
‘Minister Kim has placed him perfectly! This will make things much easier! It’s a good start!’
“Why have you summoned us?”
At the 1st Deputy Minister’s question, Hyang began to slowly unfold his story.
“Do you know that I recently proposed the Hair-Cutting Edict to Father?”
“Yes.”
“Do you know why I advocated for the Hair-Cutting Edict?”
“Yes, we heard it was for the purpose of disease prevention. But we also heard that His Majesty rejected it.”
Hyang nodded at the 1st Deputy Minister’s answer.
“Yes, the reason was that frequent washing would suffice. But honestly, isn’t it difficult for ordinary people to wash their hair frequently?”
The deputy ministers nodded at Hyang’s point. As Hyang emphasized public hygiene and saw actual effects, people washed more frequently than before. Even if they couldn’t bathe for various reasons, washing their face daily had become common.
However, this wasn’t the case with hair. Untying and retying a topknot was quite cumbersome. More than that, washing long, tangled, and matted hair was a real hassle.
After confirming the deputy ministers’ reactions, Hyang got to the main point.
“So, I have thought of a job opportunity.”
“A job opportunity, you say?”
“Yes. Something that will improve people’s hair hygiene and create new jobs to help their livelihood.”
Finishing his words, Hyang picked up a paper from the desk and showed it to the deputy ministers.
The deputy ministers tilted their heads upon seeing the words written on the paper.
“Hair-washing house?”
Hyang explained about the hair-washing house to the deputy ministers.
“You can wash your hair while bathing, but it’s not easy. So, we create a place that specializes in just washing hair. They untie the topknot, wash the hair, and then retie the topknot. Basic hair washing costs 1 won, hair washing plus lice and flea removal costs 2 won, and if you add trimming like cutting split ends, it’s 3 won. What do you think?”
Hyang’s idea was based on his 21st-century experience. Hair washing was a basic service at barbershops or beauty salons. However, it provided a much more refreshing experience than washing at home, and some barbershops or beauty salons even offered hair washing and blow-drying as a separate service.
From Hyang’s memory, it was quite an addictive service.
***
After hearing Hyang’s explanation, the deputy ministers began to analyze with serious faces.
When they first heard the term ‘hair-washing house,’ it seemed like grasping at straws. But after hearing the detailed explanation, all the deputy ministers came to the same conclusion.
‘This has potential!’
Amidst their contemplation, Im Soon-wook was the first to speak.
“There have been a few similar reports among those coming to me…”
Im Soon-wook paused for a moment to recall his memory. After a brief moment, he answered more precisely.
“There were three in total. It was reported that some bathhouses in Suwon, Gaeseong, and Pyongyang offer hair washing services.”
Hyang’s face lit up with interest at Im Soon-wook’s answer.
“How was the response?”
“I heard it was quite good. Many people don’t understand paying money to have their hair washed, but those who’ve experienced it once become regulars.”
“That’s exactly it! So, let’s implement this nationwide. It can be set up inside bathhouses, or as separate shops. No, since it’s just washing hair, separate shops would be better!”
And so, Hyang and the deputy ministers had a serious discussion about the hair-washing houses.
Three days later, an official document was created and immediately submitted to Sejong.
“Will the people pay money to have their hair washed?”
To Sejong’s question, Hyang answered immediately.
“They will!”
‘It’s not just cats that enjoy grooming!’
At Hyang’s answer, Sejong reviewed the proposal once more. Seeing that not only Hyang but also the names of the three deputy ministers of the Ministry of Finance were included, Sejong came to a conclusion.
“Seeing that not just the Crown Prince but all three deputy ministers of the Ministry of Finance are involved, it seems to have potential. I approve.”
And thus, the ‘hair-washing house,’ one of Joseon’s specialties, was born.
***
At first, everyone was puzzled by the hair-washing houses, but soon they were never short of customers. The refreshing feeling of having your hair washed by someone experienced in hair washing was highly addictive.
Of course, there were occasional incidents that were neither laughable nor pitiable.
“I hardly have any hair left, shouldn’t you be cutting it instead?”
“Are you not considering the effort it takes to tie that little hair you have into a decent topknot?”
***
Note 1) http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=altnrdl1&logNo=221273522170
https://brunch.co.kr/@peopletoday/3
Note 2) https://news.joins.com/article/8161619
Please look at the hairstyle of the man standing behind Joan of Arc.
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