Characteristics of the Political Landscape and Yi Jun-gyeong's Political Role from the Post-Gimyo Literati Purge to the Reign of King Myeongjong 

Author: Song, Woongsup

Page: 397-450

This study examines the 16th-century political landscape from the post-Gimyo Literati Purge era to the reign of King Myeongjong, focusing on the interplay between royal authority, powerful officials (Kwonshin), and consort-kin (Cheokshin). Following the Gimyo Purge, King Jungjong’s reliance on Kwonshin to suppress the Censorate (Samsa) led to concentrated ministerial power, which evolved into a Cheokshin regime under Myeongjong. Yi Jun-gyeong, serving as a non-consort-kin minister, played a pivotal role as a political buffer by protecting public discourse (Gongron) and supporting the "Cheongnyu" elites. His most significant contribution was ensuring King Seonjo’s stable accession by establishing the "National Foundation" (Gukbon) during the succession crisis of Myeongjong’s final years.