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Yun T'agyŏn

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In this Korean name, the family name is Yun.
Prince Ch'ilgye
Yun T'agyŏn
윤탁연
Born15th day, 5th month of 1538
Ch'ŏngju, Joseon
Died28th day, 5th month of 1594
Hamgyŏng, Joseon
CitizenshipJoseon
OccupationLiterati official
Years active1565–1594
Honours3rd rank of Kwangguk Kongsin [ko]
Korean name
Hangul
윤탁연
Hanja
尹卓然
RRYun Takyeon
MRYun T'agyŏn
Art name
Hangul
중호
Hanja
重湖
RRJungho
MRChungho
Courtesy name
Hangul
상중
Hanja
尙中
RRSangjung
MRSangjung
Posthumous name
Hangul
헌민
Hanja
憲敏
RRHeonmin
MRHŏnmin

Yun T'agyŏn (Korean: 윤탁연; Hanja: 尹卓然; 15th day, 5th month of 1538 – 28th day, 5th month of 1594) was a literati official who served in the fields of diplomacy, administration, and military affairs during mid-Joseon period.

Born in 1538 in Ch'ŏngju, he passed the state civil service examination in 1565 and entered government service as a civil official. Yun remained at King Myeongjong's side at the time of his death and composed the statement reaffirming the king's designation of Seonjo as his successor. He later participated in the compilation of the Veritable Records of King Myŏngjong. After holding various official posts, Yun was named a Third-Rank Meritorious Subject of National Restoration in 1591 in recognition of his contributions to resolving the correction of royal genealogy distortion, and was ennobled as Prince of Ch'ilgye.

Following the outbreak of the Imjin War in 1592, he accompanied Prince Imhae northward to Hamgyong Province. In 7th month of 1592, he was appointed as Provincial Patrol Commissioner of Hamgyong, where he established a line of defense at Pyŏlhaebo and worked to fortify the regional defenses. Although he clashed with the militia leader Chŏng Munbu over military command, he ultimately contributed to the expulsion of Japanese forces led by Katō Kiyomasa from the province.

On 28th day, 5th month of 1594, Yun collapsed from overwork and died in his quarters on the front line. Yun was posthumously granted the honorific title Hŏnmin in 1711. Yun was later enshrined in Hongp'osa in Haman and Ch'angŭisa in Hamhung.

Early life and career

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Yun T'agyŏn was born on 15th day, 5th month of 1538, in Chŏng'an-ri, Ch'ŏngju, to Yun I and a lady of the Andong Kim clan.[1][2] Yun studied under the renowned Neo-Confucian scholar Yi Hwang and was earned acclaim for his exceptional literary talent.[3] He was recognized as one of the "Eight Talents of Literature" (팔문장; 八文章) alongside Yi Sanhae and Song Ikp'il.[4]

In 1558, Yun passed the preliminary civil service examination (사마시; 司馬試[5]), and in 1565, he passed the special state examination held in the presence of the king (알성시; 謁聖試[6]), after which he began his official career at the Sŭngmunwŏn [ko], Office of Special Advisors.[2]

In 1567, he was appointed as a recorder (주서; 注書[7]) of the Sŭngjŏngwŏn.[8] On 28th day, 6th month of the same year, he was in attendance during King Myeongjong's final moments as part of his official duties.[9] At that time, Myŏngjong, whose condition had become critical, was unable to leave a will himself.[10] In his stead, Queen Insun publicly announced that the throne would pass to the third son of Deokheung Daewongun, who later became King Seonjo.[11] Yun T'akyŏn recorded the matter and obtained royal approval from King Myŏngjong.[2] Yun was commended for faithfully transcribing the statement using a complex Chinese character for "three" (參) instead of simple character (三), thereby ensuring the authenticity of the record and rendering it immune to forgery.[2]

Official career during Seonjo reign

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Following the accession of King Sŏnjo, Yun T'agyŏn held various government positions, including Records Officer (전적; 典籍[12]) and Censor (정언; 正言[13]) of Saganwŏn, the Office of the Inspector-General.[1] He later served as Vice Envoy (서장관; 書狀官[14]) on a diplomatic mission to Ming.[3] Upon his return, he was appointed to Hongmungwan, Office of Special Advisors and Ch'unch'ugwan, the Bureau of State Records, where he contributed to the compilation of the Veritable Records of King Myŏngjong beginning in 1568.[15]

Correction of royal genealogy distortion

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There was a diplomatic and historiographical campaign called Chonggye Pyŏnmu [ko] during the early Joseon to correct the imperial Chinese record regarding the ancestry of the Joseon royal family.[16] In 1573, Yun T'agyŏn was dispatched again to Ming as Vice Envoy during the embassy led by Yun Kŭnsu and Yi Hubaek, which petitioned the Ming court regarding Chonggye Pyŏnmu.[17] When this diplomatic effort succeeded in 1590, Yun was rewarded the following year with the title of Third-Rank Kwangguk Kongsin [ko] and was granted the noble title of Prince of Ch'ilgye.[18]

Local administration

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After returning from a diplomatic mission to Ming China, Yun T'agyŏn was appointed Fourth Inspector (持平; 지평[19]) of the Sahŏnbu, the Office of the Inspector-General—marking his formal reinstatement into the central bureaucracy of the Chosŏn court.[20] Thereafter, he held a succession of official posts, culminating in his appointment as Magistrate of Tongnae in 1575.[3] The following year, upon the death of his father, Yun resigned from public office to observe the full three-year mourning period, fulfilling his Confucian obligations of filial piety.[3]

Resuming his government service in 1579, Yun was appointed Magistrate of Sangju.[3] During this tenure, he distinguished himself through effective governance and administrative diligence, earning the admiration of local residents who erected a commemorative stele in his honor.[21] In further recognition of his exemplary performance, King Sŏnjo issued an official commendation, affirming Yun’s reputation as a capable provincial administrator.[22] These accomplishments significantly strengthened his standing within the bureaucracy and accelerated his career advancement.[3]

In 1582, when the Yeongnam region was devastated by a severe famine, the royal court specially appointed Yun as Provincial Governor of Kyŏngsang to direct relief efforts.[1] He implemented decisive aid measures, stabilized civil unrest, and safeguarded the livelihoods of the local population. For his meritorious service, he was successively promoted to Minister of Rites and later appointed Mayor of Hansŏng, the capital of Chosŏn.[3] Yun also held several high-ranking posts in the central government, including three terms as Minister of Justice and two as Minister of Finance, thereby exerting significant influence over legal affairs, administrative governance, and state finance.[3]

Imjin War

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Participation in the escort of Prince Imhae

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Following the outbreak of the Imjin War in 1592, the Joseon court resolved to abandon the capital, Hanyang, and relocate to Pyongyang.[23] In conjunction with this retreat, the royal princes were dispatched to various provinces to mobilize regional militias loyal to the throne.[24] During this process, Yun T'agyŏn was assigned to accompany Prince Imhae, along with Kim Kwiyŏng, and proceed northward to the Hamgyong Province.[25] The entourage departed from Hanyang on 30th day, 4th month of 1592, and arrived in Tŏkwŏn, Hamgyong Province, on 9th day, 5th month of 1592.[26]

Appointment as Provincial Governor of Hamgyong

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During their time in exile, Yun T'agyŏn was appointed Provincial Governor (관찰사; 觀察使[27]) of Hamgyong on 10th day, 7th month of 1592, succeeding Yu Yŏngnip.[28] Two days later, he was also concurrently appointed Provincial Patrol Commissioner (巡察使; 순찰사[29]) of Hamgyong.[30] Following his dual appointment, Yun separated from Prince Imhae's entourage and moved to Pyŏlhaebo (별해보; 別害堡), a strategically vital fortress.[31] There, he took a leadership role in organizing the province's defense and initiating military preparations against the advancing Japanese forces.[32]

On 24th day, 7th month of 1592, while en route to Hoeryŏng, Prince Imhae's entourage was captured during an uprising led by Kuk Kyŏngin and subsequently handed over to Japanese forces under the command of Katō Kiyomasa.[33] During this incident, Yun T'agyŏn mounted an unsuccessful attempt to rescue both Prince Imhae and Sunhwa.[34] In the course of this effort, his son, Yun Kyŏngwŏn, was killed in action.[35]

Conflicts with Chŏng Munbu

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In addition to his responsibilities in organizing the formal defense of Hamgyong Province, Yun also sought to cooperate with righteous army.[36] However, Yun faced conflict with Chŏng Munbu, a righteous army leader in Hamgyong Province.[37] The conflict between them stemmed from Chŏng's dual status within the administrative and military hierarchies.[38] Originally appointed as Assistant Military Commander (兵馬評事; 병마평사[39]) of Northern Hamgyong, Chŏng was later chosen by local communities to lead irregular resistance against Japanese forces.[40] As provincial governor, Yun attempted to place Chŏng's militia under his direct control.[41] However, in his capacity as Commander of the Righteous Army, Chŏng Munbu sought to maintain autonomous command over military operations and at times undertook actions that exceeded the authority of the assistant military commander, including the unilateral pardon of suspected rebels.[42]

The absence of mutual trust between Chŏng Munbu and Yun T'agyŏn was also a contributing factor to their conflict.[43] Yun regarded Chŏng as a threat to established hierarchies and did not consider him a trustworthy subordinate.[44] On the other hand, Chŏng Munbu came to distrust Yun T'agyŏn, believing that Yun had failed to adequately report and recommend his military accomplishments to the central government.[45] As a result, Chŏng bypassed Yun's authority and submitted official memorials directly to the royal wartime headquarters.[46] In response, Yun sent four official warnings, but tensions remained unresolved.[47]

On 21st day, 11th month of 1592, Yun dismissed Chŏng from his post as militia commander and replaced him with Chŏng Hyŏllyong.[48] This change led to internal disarray and the disintegration of the militia's operational effectiveness.[49] Discontent grew within the ranks, with many soldiers voicing dissatisfaction and defecting from the force.[50] Recognizing the decline in resistance capability, Yun reinstated Chŏng Munbu on 13th day, 1st month of 1593.[51] Shortly afterward, on 28th day, 1st month of 1593, Japanese forces in Hamgyong suffered a decisive defeat in the Battle of Paekt'apgyo and began to withdraw from the region.[52]

Death

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Due to accumulated fatigue from prolonged encampment, Yun T'agyŏn died of overwork in his military quarters on 28th day, 5th month of 1594.[3] He was posthumously granted the honorific title Hŏnmin (헌민; 憲愍) on 16 June 1711.[53] Yun was later enshrined in Hongp'osa (홍포사; 鴻浦祠) in Haman in 1787 and in Ch'angŭisa (창의사; 彰義祠[1]) in Hamhŭng in 1797.[54]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b c d 공, 원영, 윤탁연 (尹卓然) [Yun Takyeon], Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean), Academy of Korean Studies, retrieved 2025-05-24
  2. ^ a b c d 서 2011, p. 153.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i 남, 용익. 국조인물고 13권 윤탁연. terms.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24 – via Naver.
  4. ^ 서 2011, p. 152.
  5. ^ 생원진사시 (生員進士試) [Saengwŏnjinsasi]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  6. ^ 알성시 (謁聖試) [Alsŏngsi]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  7. ^ 주서 (注書) [Chusŏ]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  8. ^ 명종실록34권, 명종 22년 6월 24일 정미 3번째기사 [Veritable Records of Myeongjong 24th day, 6th month of 1567, 3rd Article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  9. ^ 명종실록34권, 명종 22년 6월 28일 신해 1번째기사 [Veritable Records of Myeongjong 28th day, 6th month of 1567, 1st Article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  10. ^ 유 2017, pp. 12–13.
  11. ^ 유 2017, pp. 13–4.
  12. ^ 주서 (注書) [Chŏnjŏk]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  13. ^ 정언 (正言) [Chŏngŏn]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  14. ^ 서장관 (書狀官) [Sojanggwan]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  15. ^ 명종실록 1권, 편수관 명단 [Revised Veritable Records of Myeongjong, List of editors]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  16. ^ 손, 승철, 종계변무 (宗系辨誣), Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean), Academy of Korean Studies, retrieved 2025-05-24
  17. ^ 선조실록7권, 선조 6년 2월 28일 기묘 1번째기사 [Veritable Records of Seonjo 28th day, 2nd month of 1573, 1st article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  18. ^ 선조수정실록24권, 선조 23년 8월 1일 경오 1번째기사 [Revised Veritable Records of Seonjo 8th month of 1590, 1st article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  19. ^ 지평 (持平) [Chip'yŏng]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  20. ^ 선조실록7권, 선조 6년 8월 27일 갑술 2번째기사 [Veritable Records of Seonjo 27th day, 8th month of 1573, 2nd article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  21. ^ 서 2011, p. 154.
  22. ^ 선조실록14권, 선조 13년 11월 27일 계사 1번째기사 [Veritable Records of Seonjo 27th day, 11st month of 1580, 1st article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  23. ^ 신 2011, p. 130.
  24. ^ 이 2007, p. 48.
  25. ^ 선조실록26권, 선조 25년 4월 29일 무오 4번째기사 [Veritable Records of Seonjo 29th day, 4th month of 1592, 4th Article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  26. ^ 신 2011, pp. 137–8.
  27. ^ 관찰사 (觀察使) [Kwanch'alsa]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-29.
  28. ^ 선조실록28권, 선조 25년 7월 10일 정묘 5번째기사 [Veritable Records of Seonjo 10th day, 7th month of 1592, 5th Article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  29. ^ 순찰사 (巡察使) [Sunch'alsa]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  30. ^ 선조실록28권, 선조 25년 7월 12일 기사 3번째기사 [Veritable Records of Seonjo 12nd day, 7th month of 1592, 3rd Article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-24.
  31. ^ 서 2011, p. 169.
  32. ^ 류 2005, p. 160.
  33. ^ 권 2024, pp. 227–228.
  34. ^ 서 2011, p. 170.
  35. ^ 류 2005, p. 166.
  36. ^ 류 2005, p. 163.
  37. ^ 김 2020, p. 134.
  38. ^ 김 2021, pp. 78–9.
  39. ^ 평사 (評事) [Pyŏngmap'yŏngsa]. Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean). Academy of Korean Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  40. ^ 이 2007, pp. 123–125.
  41. ^ 류 2005, pp. 163–4.
  42. ^ 김 2020, p. 142.
  43. ^ 김 2020, p. 145.
  44. ^ 김 2020, pp. 142–143.
  45. ^ 류 2005, p. 165.
  46. ^ 김 2020, p. 139.
  47. ^ 김 2020, p. 143.
  48. ^ 김 2021, p. 76.
  49. ^ 김 2021, pp. 76–77.
  50. ^ 이 2007, pp. 136–7.
  51. ^ 이 2007, p. 137.
  52. ^ 노, 영구, 북관대첩 (北關大捷), Encyclopedia of Korean Culture (in Korean), Academy of Korean Studies, retrieved 2025-05-24
  53. ^ 숙종실록50권, 숙종 37년 6월 16일 갑술 1번째기사 [Veritable Records of Sukjong 16th day, 6th month of 1711, 1st article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-25.
  54. ^ 정조실록46권, 정조 21년 6월 1일 경오 2번째기사 [Veritable Records of Jeongjo 1st day, 6th month of 1797, 2nd article]. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty (in Korean). Retrieved 2025-05-25.

References

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