조선초기 대일외교관 이예의 연구 현황과 과제

Abstract

In the early Joseon Dynasty, the problem of Japanese pirates and controlling the tonggyowaein(通交倭人, Japanese people working in trade and commerce) were the top diplomatic concerns in the country. Lee Ye was a diplomat who played a major role in resolving diplomatic issues with Japan by sending envoys and forming and maintaining amicable relationships. Since its beginning in 1987, research on Lee Ye continues today, with 26 academic papers and articles. These studies, most of which were published between 2001 and 2010, focus mainly on Lee Ye’s negotiation activities with Japan. Since then, the number of publications has dropped while the research topics have become more diversified. The problems with the existing literature on Lee Ye and the direction of future studies can be summarized as follows. First, considering the limited number of research resources at present, it is necessary to summarize Lee Ye-related texts contained in individual literary works as well as investigate and summarize the ancient writings and documents that are currently held by clans and local communities in Korea. Second, the research topics need to be diversified. Third, future studies should investigate how Lee Ye established a human network with Japanese people and obtained Japan-related information through his envoys, and then how the acquired information was used to inform Joseon’s Japan policies. Fourth, continuing events, rather than a one-time event, should be planned to promote more research on Lee Ye, and it is also necessary to find ways to encourage more people to learn about him.