During the Joseon Dynasty, under the influence of Confucian values, boys and girls were not allowed to sit together once they reached the age of seven. For this reason, it was extremely difficult for men and women to meet openly in public. As a result, couples would often arrange secret rendezvous in secluded places or meet at night. Inspired by Shin Yun-bok’s Lovers Under the Moonlight, the lantern artwork Secret Rendezvous by Moonlight is held in the collection of the Kansong Art and Cultural Foundation and has been designated National Treasure No. 135. The painting is executed in ink and color on paper.
In modern society, however, rising violent crimes have made women more cautious when walking at night. Parents of daughters naturally feel a heightened sense of worry, leading many to discourage late-night outings or clandestine meetings with lovers. The Lovers Under the Moonlight lantern is seen as a symbolic substitute, allowing couples to “spend time together” without the risks of being outside late. For men, being accompanied by the Secret Rendezvous by Moonlight lantern even carries practical benefits—no need to buy food or gifts during dates, offering a measure of economic relief. Eventually, there even emerged requests for a Daylight Rendezvous lantern, designed for those who work at night and wished for the same symbolic companionship during the day.
