The purpose of this paper is to examine Namdang Han Won-jin's interpretation of The Analects (論語). Up until now, research on Han Won-jin's studies of the Confucian classics has mainly focused on The Great Learning (大學) and The Doctrine of the Mean (中庸). However, Han Won-jin's remark that "one must read Zhu Xi's works to understand Confucius' writings," as well as the existence of commentary texts such as Zhuza Eollon Dongigo (朱子言論同異攷), Saseogangeui (四書講義), and Noneosojuchaeui (論語小註箚疑), suggests that his interpretation of The Analects is also a meaningful subject of study.
Han Won-jin interpreted The Analects from the perspective that Zhu Xi's Lunyu Jizhu (論語集註) contains the definitive interpretation of The Analects. Accordingly, he sought to clarify and further elucidate the meaning of Lunyu Jizhu in order to clearly identify Zhu Xi's definitive conclusions.
He also critically examined Lunyu Huowen (論語或問) in relation to Lunyu Jizhu, either integrating its commentary with Zhu Xi's interpretations or critiquing the annotations in Lunyu Huowen. Moreover, Han analyzed and distinguished between Zhu Xi's various interpretations found in Zhuzi Dadian (朱子大全), Zhuzi Yulei (朱子語類), and the minor notes in the Lunyu Jizhu Dadian (論語集註大全).
Han's interpretation of The Analects faces the issue of not explaining whether Zhu Xi's Lunyu Jizhu provides an interpretation of The Analects that is appropriate compared to other interpretations. Additionally, there is the problem that Han's interpretation does not fully align with Zhu Xi's in certain parts. However, Han's interpretation reflects the academic orientation of the Yulgok School (栗谷學派), which sought to establish its scholarly identity based on the true meaning of Zhu Xi's philosophy. In particular, his method of comparingand analyzing the similarities and differences in Zhu Xi's various writings, and clarifying doubts about the minor notes in Lunyu Jizhu Dadian to determine the definitive interpretation of The Analects, should be regarded as a more developed outcome of the Yulgok School's method of interpreting The Analects in the 17th century.
In terms of academic orientation and methods of interpreting the Confucian classics, Han Won-jin's interpretation of The Analects can be considered a notable achievement in the history of The Analects interpretation in Joseon dynasty, serving as a model of Confucian classical studies in the Yulgok School.