Jeong Sun-Bung(鄭順朋:1484∼1548), transforming from a victim of the Gi’myo Literati Purge of 1519 into a perpetrator of the Eulsa Purge of 1545 

Author: Yoon, Hoonpyo

Page: 351-395

Jeong Sun-bung was a politician active in the 16th century. He is famous for transforming from a victim of the Literati Purge into a perpetrator. The primary goal of this paper is to examine the reasons and significance of this transformation. Jeong Sun-bung entered government service after passing the civil service examination held during the reign of King Yeonsangun, the 10th king known as a tyrant. At the time, the King unilaterally ordered that scholars should be selected based solely on the examination of regulated verse (Yulsi). Consequently, the examination was riddled with problems. As a result, Jeong Sun-bung, who entered government service after passing the exam, also faced significant criticism. Jeong Sun-bung began his full-scale entry into government service starting from the reign of King Jungjong, who ascended the throne after King Yeonsangun was overthrown. The so-called Gi’myo Sarim[Sarim figures who were expelled from the government in the Gi’myo-year], who emerged declaring their intention to rectify corrupt politics, placed great importance on morality and therefore viewed officials like Jeong Sun-bung with suspicion. In response, Jeong Sun-bung actively aligned himself with their political stance. 

However, with the outbreak of the Gi’myo Literati Purge of 1519, Jeong Sun-bung, who was accused of siding with the Gi’myo Sarim, was purged along with them. As a result, Jeong Sun-bung was unable to hold government office for a long period. Jeong Sun-bung finally returned to politics only after the most influential servant, Kim Ahn-ro(金安老), was driven out by maternal relatives. He then gained the King's trust and was promoted to a high-ranking position. At this time, Jeong Sun-bung suggested that the rise of maternal relatives must be curbed. However, kings suddenly died one after another, and the young King Myongjong ascended the throne. As a result, Queen Munjeong assumed regency. The Queen instigated the Eulsa Purge of 1545 to purge the Daeyoon clique, the maternal relatives of the late King. Jeong Sun-bung also participated in this purge and played a significant role. As a result, Jeong Sun-bung transformed from a victim of the social unrest into a perpetrator.