Jeong In-seung (1897–1986), known by his pen name Geonjae (健齋), was not only a Korean independence activist and linguist but also a calligrapher whose works reflect the depth of his scholarly rigor and national spirit.
Born in Jangsu, Jeollabuk-do, Jeong graduated from Yonhi College in 1925. Though he initially hoped to study in the United States, he remained in Korea and later joined the Korean Language Society (Joseon Eohakhoe) after meeting Choi Hyun-bae. There, he played a central role in compiling the Korean dictionary, risking his life for the preservation of the national language. From 1942 to 1945, he was imprisoned by the Japanese authorities for his linguistic activism.
Jeong’s calligraphy reveals the spirit of a man who devoted his life to language and truth. His brushstrokes are steady, refined, and disciplined—reflecting his character as a scholar and patriot. His works were not simply artistic expressions but a continuation of his mission: to protect and honor the Korean language and heritage.
After Korea’s liberation, Jeong served as a university professor and continued mentoring the next generation of scholars. His calligraphy, preserved today in places like the Jeong In-seung Memorial Hall in Jangsu, remains a vivid testament to the era’s determination and dignity. His art carries both aesthetic value and historical resonance, making it a unique cultural legacy.
