History of pseudonyms in Korean anthroponymy

The article summarizes the main peculiarities of semantics and structure of pseudonyms, as well as the history of the pseudonyms tradition in Korea. In anthroponymy of the Far East there are some concepts that are equivalent to the western concept of ‘pseudonyms’. In Korea the most suitable concept that can be called a pseudonym is ho. Among ho there are hangmyeong (pseudonyms of scientists), philmyeong (pseudonyms of painters), shiho (pseudonyms of poets), yemyeong (pseudonyms of actors). The most widespread content of pseudonyms in Korea were place-names that were important to those who uses it, information of their achievements or wishes to achieve something. In pseudonyms Koreans frequently use nature objects, different plants and animals. Usually Koreans didn’t want to hide their name behind a pseudonym. They used pseudonyms to mark their occupation. Traditionally Korean pseudonyms looked like a first name and used with the real surname. Pseudonyms usually consisted of two syllables. The tradition of ho came to Korea from China in the first centuries AD. But Koreans didn’t use ho until the time of Chosun. In the time of Three States and Silla only men who knew Chinese culture and who had been to China used pseudonyms. The most widespread content of pseudonyms at that time was the theme of loneliness. In the time of Koryo more people used pseudonyms because of pro-Chinese foreign policy. The time of Chosun is the golden age of the ho tradition in Korea. In XVII century 81,5% of Korean noblemen used ho. Some people could have many pseudonyms, to help to see changes in their ideology and world outlook. In the XIX-XX centuries Korean pseudonyms transformed because of the weakened Chinese influence, strengthening of the European and American influence, and of course modernization. New ideas appeared within the structure of pseudonyms (pseudonym of one syllable; changing symbols to ones that sound the same as the name; using combinations of syllables that weren’t considered to be harmonious in the past; creating pseudonyms using non-Chinese words). There was a change in semantics too (for example geographical names and water objects used less in pseudonyms; using European and American place-names; names of domestic animals usesd more; names of plants becomes more various). Many Korean pseudonyms in the XX century are connected to historical events of that time (especially Japanese occupancy). Korean pseudonyms have always been affected by cultures that were dominant in Korea (China; Japan; Europe and America).