A Study on Byeonggye Yun Bong-Gu’s Life, and His Political and Ideological Role

Abstract

Yun Bong-gu was a descendant of a family associated with the Seoin Noron faction, and this trait was distinctly evident in his personal life and relationships. He received his education under Kwon Sang-ha, a former disciple of Song Si-yeol. In the early 18th century, the discourse surrounding Human Nature was initiated by Kwon Sang-ha’s disciples, marking the inception of the first segment of the Horak debate. Yun exhibited the tenets of Horon ideology, which accentuated the impact of one's temperament. This ideological stance laid the groundwork for Yun to emerge as a prominent figure during the latter half of the Horak debate, characterized by intellectual clashes with the Rakron faction. Yun Bong-gu inherited his political position from his predecessor. As his mentor Kwon Sang-ha was a notable representative of the Noron faction, Yun assumed the mantle of the Seoin Noron early in his life. Throughout King Yeongjo's reign, Yun served as a Sallim, representing the Noron Junron. He staunchly adhered to an unwavering stance, advocating for Noron's Sinim Uili principles, which eventually precipitated a profound confrontation with King Yeongjo. Yun's engagements mirrored the prevailing tendencies within the Horon Sanrim, a component of the Noron Junron faction, during the complex political landscape of the Tangpyeong era.