The novel is a classic Korean novel written by Jo Wi-han (趙緯韓, 1567–1649) and published in 1621. Jo served as an official during the reigns of Prince Gwanghae (r. 1608–1623) and King Injo (r. 1623–1649). During his tenure, he experienced a series of tumultuous, domestic, and international historical incidents, including the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598), the Injo Restoration (1623), and the Qing invasion of Joseon (1636). "Choe cheok jeon" is said to have been written while Jo was staying in Namwon as a retiree from public service after he learned about Choe Cheok's troubled life. Jo was close friends with other prominent writers of the time, including Heo Gyun (許筠, 1569–1618) and Gwon Pil (權韠, 1569–1612).