Yi Jeong-am

Yi Chŏngam (; 1541 – September 10, 1600) was a Korean military official of the mid-Joseon Period.

Biography

Birth and Early career Yi Chŏngam was born on August 18, 1541, in Banseokbang, Hanyang. His father was Yi Tang (李宕) and his mother was Lady Kim of Uiseong clan. He began his career as the proofreader at the Bureau of Diplomatic Documents , and subsequently served in various administrative roles, including assistant section chief positions in several ministries.

Seonjo Period (1567–1601) In March 1567, Yi served as an auditor in Jeolla Province before returning to the court as an assistant section chief in the Ministry of Justice . In 1569, he was appointed as a drafter of the Ch'unch'ugwan under the Gyeonggi Provincial Government. The following year, he resumed his role in the Ministry of Justice and also served as a King's Editor . He was later promoted to Section Chief of Ministry of Military Affairs and dispatched to Gangwon Province as a secret royal inspector to assess disaster-stricken areas.

After serving as prefect of Yonan, Jangdan and Pyongsan, Yi was appointed to the magistrate of Yangju in 1579. In 1587, he was appointed prefect of Dongnae to defend against the invasion of Japanese incursions. By 1591, he served as royal secretary and councilor in the Ministries of Public Works and Military Affairs. On 2 May, he departed for Kaesong with his family, informed by his younger brother, Yi Jeong-hyeong that the king was there. On the same day, when Seonjo awarded new government posts to whom followed him, Yi lost his post as the councilor because he was not there. Choosing not to follow the king, but to defend Kaesong alongside his brother, their plans were thwarted by the collapse of the Imjin River defense line, prompting Yi to leave Kaesong. Despite his military success, Yi's proposal for peace negotiations led to his impeachment and dismissal. However, he was soon appointed deputy magistrate of Jeonju in July. In 1596, as a governor of Chungcheong Province, he played a role in suppressing Yi Mong-hak's Rebellion but was dismissed for allegedly punishing prisoners arbitrarily. In 1597, during the Second Japanese Invasion, he defended Suyang Fortress in Haeju as Suppressor of Hwanghae Province. After the invasions, he retired from public service, dedicating his later years to writing at Jeongjujeongsa, a temple in Pungdeok. He died on September 10, 1600.

After death After his death, Yi Chŏngam was honored with the title of Wolcheon Buwongun , enrolled as a second-rank of Seonmu Merit Subjects , and posthumously appointed to the office of Chwaŭijŏng.

Writings

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