Editing Hwarang (section)

== Sexuality and Homosexuality in the Hwarang ==
Within the Hwarang, a complex network of emotional and sexual relationships existed among members. Historical evidence suggests that due to the group's emphasis on beauty and physical [[Physical attractiveness|attractiveness]], members formed deep, intimate bonds that often included sexual activity.
Consider the case of Bujeong, the former father-in-law of [[Muyeol of Silla|King Muyeol]]. Despite being a '''handsome''' man, Bujeong shunned women and lived with a prince. His mother, [[Mishil]], even offered a reward to any woman who could seduce her son. Princess Yangmyeong, under pressure, did seduce Bujeong and bore him two daughters, but their union was short-lived. Interestingly, a tall Hwarang named Salt Janggeong served Bujeong and attended to him like a wife. Why would Bujeong choose men as his lovers over women? Traces of such relationships can even be found among the Hwarang, who embodied the spiritual world of Silla.
Historical texts, including the "[[Samguk sagi|Samguk Sagi]]" ([[Records of the Three Kingdoms|History of the Three Kingdoms]]) and "[[Samguk yusa|Samguk Yusa]]" (Stories of the Three Kingdoms), describe the beauty and attractiveness of Hwarang members and allude to deep emotional connections between them. Historical evidence points to the existence of relationships between [[Men who have sex with men|'''effeminate men''']] and [[Women who have sex with women|'''masculine women''']]. For instance, Sadaham, a renowned Hwarang during the reign of [[Jinheung of Silla|King Jinheung]], mourned the death of his comrades so deeply that he took his own life. This clearly demonstrates the profound emotional bonds within the group but could also hint at an unconventional attachment that was considered inappropriate.
Historical texts also mention the gender reassignment of [[Hyegong of Silla|King Hyegong]], the 36th king of Silla. Born a girl, he was raised as a boy due to his family's circumstances and at the request of his father, King Gyeongdeok. During his reign, he was weak and indifferent to politics. Consequently, he was deposed by [[King Seondeok of Silla|King Seondeok]] in a coup. [[Queen Sinseong|Queen Jinseong]] is also said to have '''enjoyed the company of handsome young men''', especially Hwarang, who served her regardless of her gender.
During '''Seondeok'''<nowiki/>'s reign, emotional and sexual relationships among Hwarang members became even more pronounced. '''Seondeok''' encouraged these bonds, and the group played a significant role in society during his reign. However, the Seonggu editorial referred to the Hwarang as a "[[Homosexuality|homosexual group]]," a term that clearly indicates the social disapproval of such relationships.
Furthermore, Lee Ik, in his works, discusses sexuality and [[homosexuality]] within the Hwarang and addresses the criticisms leveled against the group. These criticisms often characterize these relationships as unconventional and immoral, contradicting the societal norms of the time.
Some scholars have researched these relationships and concluded that [[homosexuality]] existed among Hwarang members. Ayokai suggests that these relationships were similar to marital bonds, but this interpretation clearly highlights the social disapproval and perceived unnaturalness of such relationships.{{cn|date=May 2025}}