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Kim Gu

Type Figure Region Korean Peninsula Time 1211–1278 Also known as Kim Gu、김구、지포、Jipo、金百鎰、Kim Baek-il

Kim Gu (1211–1278), pen name Jipo, of Buning, was a prominent late Goryeo civil official and drafter of diplomatic documents.

Timeline

  1. 1235–1259Gaesong · GaesongAfter passing the civil service exam he served as Jeju judge, in the Hanlin Academy and other posts, and in 1240 accompanied a mission to the Mongols. Renowned for his literary talent in rhapsodies and memorials, he gradually entered the central secretariat circle.
  2. 1260–1274Gaesong and Dadu · YuanA core civil official of King Wonjong's court, he drafted state letters to Kublai and others, explaining submission in Confucian terms of the world order and providing documentary and rhetorical framing for the armistice and vassal relationship. From 1263 he held posts including Right Censor-in-Chief, Left Vice Director of the Ministry of Works, Vice Commissioner of the Privy Council, and Jeongdang Munhak.
  3. 1274–1278Gaesong · GaesongAfter King Chungnyeol's accession he served as Ji Geuiuibu-sa and Pan Bando-sa. Responding to corruption among interpreters, he memorialized to establish the Tongmungwan, ordering youths at the school to study Chinese to improve relations with Yuan. In 1273 he served as examiner. In later years he wrote works such as Jipojip and Bukjeongnok.

Sources