Jeong Jung-bu

Timeline

1. 1125–1141Kaesong · KaesongJeong Jung-bu entered service through the military examination and gradually rose through the army during King Injong's reign, participating in border defense and palace guard affairs. Together with Li Yimin and others who also came from the military examination, he formed a group of military officials who grew increasingly dissatisfied with the civil-dominated court.
2. 1141–1146Kaesong · KaesongBy the late reign of King Injong, Jeong Jung-bu already held a key military post and repeatedly clashed with civil officials over court deliberations and treatment. After King Injong's death in 1146 and King Uijong's accession, civil-military tensions continued to build, laying the foundation for his later participation in the coup.
3. 1146–1179Kaesong · KaesongDuring King Uijong's reign, Jeong Jung-bu's position rose further, and he formed an alliance with military officials such as Li Yimin. In 1170, taking advantage of King Uijong's eastern tour, he launched a coup (the Eumyo Coup), killing civil officials, deposing King Uijong, and installing King Myeongjong, inaugurating an era of military autocracy. He died in 1179 in infighting among the military officials.