Honest official under Sejong and Danjong who served as Inspector-General and Pan Jungchuwonsa; pen name Cheongpa, posthumous title Jeongmu
| Life | 1460 |
| Era | 조선 전기 |
| Clan | 행주 기씨 |
Gi Geon (奇虔, d. 1460) was an early Joseon official of the Haengju Gi, pen name Cheongpa and posthumous title Jeongmu. The Encyclopedia of Korean Culture describes him as a descendant of Gi Hyeon, an associate of the monk Sin Don in Goryeo, and the clan honors him as its restorer ancestor. Known for his learning, he was picked as a commoner under King Sejong and made Inspector.
As magistrate of Yeonan he refused to eat the crucian carp the people had to catch as tribute for three years, and as Governor of Jeju he abstained from abalone for the same reason; he also reformed the practice of abandoning dead parents. In 1448 he governed Jeolla and Jeonju well, then served as Vice-Minister of Revenue, went to Ming China after Sejong's death and became Inspector-General under King Danjong.
In that post he impeached royal secretaries, especially Gang Maeng-gyeong, and criticised Hwangbo In and Kim Jong-seo. He rose to Pan Jungchuwonsa, but when Prince Suyang took the throne as Sejo he gave up office; the new king called on him five times and he pleaded blindness. He is also credited with inventing the neoul head covering for women. He died in 1460, was chosen as an honest official and is enshrined at Chusan Seowon in Jangseong.
As magistrate of Yeonan and Jeju he refused to eat the carp and abalone that the people had to supply, becoming a model of integrity.
After Prince Suyang took the throne he left office and refused five summonses, pleading blindness.
He is enshrined at Chusan Seowon in Jangseong; the tomb location was not confirmed.
He is honored as the clan's restorer ancestor.