Level 9 Unit 01: High Concessive Logic & Uncompromising Principles (-(으)ㄹ지언정, -(으)ㄴ/ㄹ진대, -건마는)¶

Level 9 introduces advanced rhetorical connectors found in parliamentary debates, high literature, philosophical essays, and classical editorials.

1. -(으)ㄹ지언정 / -(으)ㄹ망정 (Defiant Martyrdom / Uncompromising Resolution)¶

Expresses that the speaker would willingly endure severe loss, pain, or even death in the first clause before ever conceding to the unacceptable condition in the second clause.

Examples:¶

내 한 몸이 부서질지언정 불의와 타협하지는 않겠다.
(Even if my body is broken to pieces, I will never compromise with injustice.)
손해를 볼지언정 고객에게 거짓 정보를 제공할 수는 없다.
(Even if we incur financial losses, we can never provide false information to customers.)
가난할지언정 떳떳하게 살아가겠다.
(Even if I am impoverished, I will live with honor and a clear conscience.)

2. -(으)ㄴ/ㄹ진대 (Solemn Syllogistic Premise / "Since Such Is the Incontrovertible Truth...")¶

An elevated, classical discourse connective establishing a foundational premise: "Since A is an established, undeniable reality, how much more must B follow?"

Structure:¶

[Incontrovertible Truth/Premise] + -(으)ㄴ/ㄹ진대 + [Solemn Conclusion/Exhortation]

Examples:¶

군주가 백성을 위하지 않을진대, 어찌 나라가 바로 설 수 있겠는가?
(If the sovereign does not care for the people, how can the nation possibly stand upright?)
미래의 주역이 바로 우리 청년들일진대, 이들에게 과감한 투자를 아끼지 말아야 한다.
(Since our youth are undeniably the protagonists of the future, we must not spare bold investment in them.)

3. -건마는 / -건만 (Poetic / Literary Contrast: "Though It Was So, Alas...")¶

A wistful, literary connector expressing lamentation: despite condition A being clearly established or promised, a disappointing contrary reality B unfolded.

Examples:¶

봄은 이미 왔건마는, 내 마음에는 아직 찬 바람이 분다.
(Spring has already arrived, yet cold winds still blow in my heart.)
굳게 약속했건만, 그는 끝내 돌아오지 않았다.
(Though he promised so firmly, alas, he never returned.)
수없이 당부했건마는 같은 실수가 또다시 반복되었다.
(Though I urged caution countless times, the exact same mistake was repeated yet again.)