Yoo Gwan-sun or Shin Saimdang?

It is highly likely that a bill featuring a woman’s face will be printed for the first time in Korean history. The most favored candidate for this honor is Yoo Gwan-sun (1902-1920) – a true patriot.

On August 7, the Bank of Korea announced that it had selected ten candidates to be printed on the new, high-value bills – 50,000 won and 100,000 won – that are set to enter circulation in 2009.

The advisory committee on bill design cut the twelve preliminary candidates to ten after conducting opinion polls and consulting with experts in the field. The final ten candidates are Kim Gu, Kim Jeong-hui, Shin Saimdang, Ahn Chang-ho, Yoo Gwan-sun, Jang Bo-go, Jang Yeong-shil, Jeong Yak-yong, Joo Si-gyeong, and Han Yong-un.

Among the candidates, there are two women, Yoo Gwan-sun and Shin Saimdang; analysis suggests Yoo Gwan-sun to be the favorite. This analysis is supported by the fact that Yul-gok, Shin Saimsang’s son, is already the face of the 5000 won bill.

The Bank of Korea announced that it will take suggestions from citizens via the ‘participation yard’ on its homepage (www.bok.or.kr) up until August 21.

Wang Yong-gi at the Bank of Korea said, “The final phase of the new bill selection process will be completed in late September or early October. Then, after the manufacturing process, the new, high-value bills will be released during the first half of 2009.

ssoo@donga.com