Kuk Kyŏngin

Kuk Kyŏngin (; died in 1592) was a Korean rebel that opposed Joseon during the Imjin War.

Kuk, originally from Chŏnju, was exiled to Hoeryŏng, where he held administrative roles but harbored deep resentment toward the central government. During the early phase of the Imjin War, he declared himself commander, incited a rebellion with over 5,000 followers, and detained Prince Imhae and Sunhwa along with their entourage. On 24th day, 7th month of 1592, Kuk surrendered the royal hostages to Katō Kiyomasa, securing control over Hoeryŏng in return and proclaiming himself Military Commander of Northern Hamgyŏng Province. After Chŏng Munbu recaptured Kyŏngsŏng from Kuk Sep'il, he called on Kuk Kyŏngin to surrender and support the loyalist cause. Kuk refused and instead prepared an assault on Kyŏngsŏng in alliance with Japanese troops, prompting Chŏng to issue a proclamation for his execution. Kuk Kyŏngin was ultimately ambushed and killed by Sin Sejun.

Exile and Services in Hoeryŏng Kuk Kyŏngin, originally from Chŏnju, was exiled to Hoeryŏng in Hamgyŏng Province following a criminal conviction. While the specific charge remains unclear, some scholars posit that his exile may have been connected to Chŏng Yŏrip's rebellion, as it occurred before the outbreak of the Imjin War and his Chŏnju origin.

During his exile in Hoeryŏng, Kuk served in an official capacity—as a local functionary (achŏn ) and as an indigenous administrator (togwan chinmu). Despite these services, he reportedly harbored deep resentment toward the central government for his banishment. Mun and Yi were captured, and Yu managed to escape. He subsequently declared himself Military Commander of Northern Hamgyŏng Province and assumed authority over the region. Kuk, however, refused and instead begun preparing an assault on Kyŏngsŏng in coordination with Japanese forces stationed in Kilju.

Upon reading the proclamation, the Confucian scholar O Yunjŏk, concerned for the safety of his family, resolved to assassinate Kuk before any harm could befall them. However, the plot was exposed, and Kuk ordered his subordinates Yi Ŏnu and Chŏn Ŏn'guk to arrest O. On the following day, as Kuk attempted to carry out a public execution of O Yunjŏk, he was ambushed by Sin Sejun. Kuk was beaton to death along with his close aides Yi Ŏnu and Chŏn Ŏn'guk, Their severed heads were subsequently delivered to Chŏng Munbu.