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Jo Gwang-jo

Type Figure Region Joseon dynasty Time 1482–1520 Also known as Jo Gwang-jo、조광조、号寒冈

Jo Gwang-jo (1482–1520) was a famous mid-Joseon Sarim Confucian official and Neo-Confucian thinker who led administrative reforms early in King Jungj…

Timeline

  1. 1482–1506Gyeongsang Province · Gyeongsang ProvinceBorn in Gyeongju, he studied Neo-Confucianism under noted scholars such as Kim Geuk-il and Kim An-guk, mastering Zhu Xi learning; he entered office through the civil examinations and was renowned for his integrity among the Sarim.
  2. 1506–1519Hanseong (royal capital) · Gyeonggi ProvinceAfter Jungjong's restoration he was highly valued, serving successively as gyori of Hongmungwan and Minister of Personnel, promoting 'revering Confucianism and suppressing Buddhism,' reforming appointments, impeaching old meritorious families, and advancing the hyangyak system, striving to regulate politics and society with Neo-Confucian ethics.
  3. 1520Hanseong (royal capital) · Gyeonggi ProvinceFacing backlash from old meritorious families and palace factions, he was falsely accused of 'treason' and drawn into the Gimyo purge, exiled and then executed; the Sarim faction suffered a heavy blow, and his teachings and political views continued to deeply influence the development of Joseon Confucianism after his death.

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