"One Husband My Age? I'd Take Two Young'uns, Says History's Boldest Bride!"

Age Gaps and Agency: Early 20th Century Korean Humor Tackles Marriage

A glimpse into early 20th-century Korean society, specifically its evolving views on marriage, is offered through a recent analysis of jokes from the 1916 collection, "Kkalkkal Useum." This week's installment of the "Bwahahahaha" column, exploring the roots of Korean humor, focuses on two short jokes that highlight the tensions surrounding age gaps in marriage, a topic heavily debated by Korean intellectuals at the time.

"One Husband My Age? I'd Take Two Young'uns, Says ...

The early 1900s saw a growing movement against early marriage, common during the Joseon era, with prominent figures like Yi Gwangsu condemning it as harmful. Debates also raged regarding the tradition of arranged marriages versus individual choice. The jokes, therefore, provide a humorous lens through which to examine these societal shifts.

The first joke centers on a

The first joke centers on a father advising his daughter on finding a suitable husband. Concerned about the perceived foolishness of young men, he suggests she consider a learned and experienced gentleman, even if he's 50 years old. The daughter's witty retort, "Instead of a 50-year-old husband, I’d rather have two 25-year-old husbands," subverts her father's expectations and asserts her own desires. This showcases the power of humor to express female agency and challenge traditional patriarchal values without facing direct censure.

The second joke depicts a marriage where the groom is significantly younger than his wife. Social norms traditionally placed the husband in a position of authority, but the joke cleverly highlights the absurdity of a young boy attempting to boss around a more mature woman. When the young husband demands dinner, his wife retaliates, throwing him onto the roof. In a surprising twist, the husband sides with his wife, pretending to pick squash to avoid criticism from his in-laws. This unexpected alliance suggests a potential shift in power dynamics within the marriage, where the young husband prioritizes his wife's well-being over traditional expectations.

These seemingly simple jokes offer a valuable insight into the complexities of marriage in early 20th-century Korea. They reveal a society grappling with changing norms, challenging traditional authority, and exploring the evolving roles of men and women within the institution of marriage. Through humor, these jokes provide a platform for expressing dissent, asserting individual agency, and ultimately, laughing at the inherent contradictions of a society in transition.