We all have our given names (本名) bestowed by our parents. However, sometimes we present ourselves with other names besides our given names. Writers meet their readers with 'pen names,' celebrities are loved by the public with 'stage names,' and old scholars expressed their ideals with 'ahos.' In this way, diverse names exist in Korean culture that substitute for given names, and within them are embedded individual identities and the landscape of their times.
Aho (雅號): The Elegance and Philosophy of Scholars
Aho is a name used by ancient scholars or artists in addition to their given names, created to embody their character, will, or ideals. Aho could be created by oneself or given by a teacher or friend.
- Chusa (秋史) Kim Jeong-hui: During his exile on Jeju Island, he painted 'Sehando,' embodying his steadfast will, like the pine and cypress trees enduring the cold winter. His pen name 'Chusa' is the most famous among over 500 pen names, including Wandang (阮堂) and Yedang (禮堂), symbolizing his artistic spirit.
- Dasan (茶山) Jeong Yak-yong: A pen name derived from 'Dasanchodang,' where he stayed during his exile in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do. His vast academic achievements were completed in this place of exile, and 'Dasan' became a name representing his Silhak (Practical Learning) philosophy.
Pen Names (筆名) and Stage Names (藝名): Names for Communicating with the Public
Pen names are used by writers, and stage names by entertainers, to communicate with the public. They serve the purpose of being more easily remembered by readers or fans and effectively conveying their artistic world or image.
- Yi Sang's 'Yi Sang (李箱)': His given name was Kim Hae-gyeong. There are several theories about his pen name 'Yi Sang,' but it played a significant role in building a bizarre and mysterious image alongside his genius literary world.
- BTS's 'RM': His given name is Kim Nam-jun. Initially, he used the stage name 'Rap Monster,' but as his musical spectrum broadened, he changed it to 'RM,' meaning 'Real Me,' demonstrating a shift in his identity as an artist.
Aliases (假名): A Cry to the Times, or a Name for Survival
Aliases are used when there is a special reason to conceal one's given name. Especially during the Japanese colonial period, independence activists lived fiercely, using various aliases to evade Japanese surveillance and protect their comrades.
- Baekbeom (白凡) Kim Gu: This is a pen name embodying the noble meaning that 'everyone, from Baekjeong (白丁) to Beom-bu (凡夫), should possess patriotism,' and was used throughout his independence movement. His given name was Kim Chang-am, but through a tumultuous life, he went through several names and remained in history as 'Kim Gu'.
'Other names' such as aho, pen names, stage names, and aliases transcend mere appellations. Within these names are complexly intertwined the values an individual pursues, the circumstances of their era, and their desire to communicate with the public. Exploring the origins of these names will be an exciting journey to understand an individual and his times more deeply.