Yu Yŏnggil

Yu Yŏnggil (; 1538 – 1601) was a Korean scholar-official and military leader of the mid-Joseon period. Born 1538, he passed the state civil service examination in 1559, placing first. He held various posts including Fourth Censor, Assistant Section Chief at the Ministry of War, and Deputy Compiler at the Office of Special Advisors.

Closely aligned with Yi Chŏngbin, son of powerful official Yi Ryang, Yu was nominated in 1563 to succeed him at the Ministry of Personnel but was blocked by censorial opposition. He later served as Third Censor, Records Officer, and briefly as Inspector of Pyongan Province.

At the outbreak of the Imjin War in 1592, Yu was Governor of Kangwon Province and stationed in Chuncheon. His controversial withdrawal of Commander Wŏn Ho allowed Japanese forces to cross Namhan River unopposed, and he ordered the execution of militia leader Ko Chongkyŏng. In 1593, he became Commander-in-Chief and Right Assistant Mayor of Hansŏng, and in 1594, Relief Commissioner, though he was soon dismissed after being impeached by the censorate.

During the Chŏngyu War in 1597, Yu served as Military Protector and Magistrate of Yonan, later holding posts including Second Minister of War and Governor of Gyeonggi Province. In 1600, he was appointed Second Minister of Rites, and in 1601 served briefly as Chief Judge of the Bureau of Slaves before becoming Magistrate of Songchon, where he died. He was posthumously honored with the title of Minister of Personnel.

Early life and career Yu Yŏnggil was born to Yu Ŭi , and then as Magistrate of Yonan. However, at the time, he was stationed in Suan County escorting the Queen Uiin, which delayed his assumption of office. As a result, the Office of the Censor-General recommended appointing someone who could take up the post immediately, and Yu ultimately did not assume the office. |labels=no) of Taxation. He subsequently served as Right Assistant Mayor of Hansŏng and Second Deputy Director of the State Tribunal, before being appointed Governor of Gyeonggi Province in 1599. In 1600, the Office of the Inspector-General submitted a memorial requesting his dismissal due to advanced age; this recommendation was accepted, and he was reassigned as Second Minister of Rites. |labels=no) of the Bureau of Slaves before being appointed Magistrate of Songchon.

Death Yu Yŏnggil died in 1601 and was buried in Salmi-myeon, Chungju. After his death, he was posthumously honored with the title of Minister of Personnel.