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Jeong Jungbu

Type Figure Region Korea/Goryeo Time 1106–1179 Also known as Jeong clan of Haeju

Jeong Jungbu (1106–1179) was a military general of the late Goryeo period, a native of Haeju, of tall and imposing build, who served in posts such as…

Timeline

  1. 1115–1122Haeju · HaejuThe Jeong clan of Haeju was of humble origins; he was first registered in the provincial army and later selected and sent to Gaegyeong. Chancellor Cui Hongzai, seeing his extraordinary bearing, recruited him into the Konghak Guard as a palace guard, beginning his career in the palace guard. This period coincided with the late reign of King Yejong and the accession of King Injong.
  2. 1123–1146Kaesong · GaegyeongUnder King Injong he was promoted to commander of the Qianlong unit, attending the king's person. In 1144, during a wrestling game of the Five Weapons, he clashed with civil official Jin Dunzhong, binding and beating him, thereby earning the enmity of the civil officialdom; the resentment of the humiliated military officials deepened.
  3. 1146–1170Kaesong · GaegyeongUnder King Uijong he rose to the highest military rank of Grand General. King Uijong favored banquets and entertainment and slighted the military officials; Jeong Jungbu's grievances with generals such as Li Yifang and Li Gao deepened, making him a central figure of the 1170 military coup.
  4. 1170–1179Kaesong · GaegyeongIn August 1170 he launched a military coup, killing the accompanying civil officials, deposing King Uijong, and installing King Myeongjong. After executing Li Yifang in 1174, he monopolized power as Chancellor of the State Council. He suppressed the rebellions of Jin Fudang, Zhao Weichong, and others. In October 1179 he was killed in a night raid by the young general Gyeong Daeseung, and the military regime entered a new phase.

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