하위지 河緯地
Jiphyeonjeon scholar and one of the Six Martyred Ministers executed for plotting Danjong's restoration; pen name Dangye, posthumous title Chungryeol
| Life | 1412 ~ 1456 |
| Era | 조선 전기 |
| Clan | 진주 하씨 |
Life & career
Ha Wi-ji (1412-1456) was an early Joseon official whose ancestral seat is Jinyang (Jinju), from Seonsan in Gyeongsang Province. His courtesy names were Cheonjang or Jungjang, his pen names Dangye, Jeokchon and Yeonpung, and his posthumous title Chungryeol. 1412 is the usual birth year, though 1387 is also recorded.
He passed the licentiate examination in 1435 and took first place in the 1438 civil examination, becoming an assistant editor in the Hall of Worthies. As a Hall of Worthies scholar he served Sejong closely, took study leave, and later held posts such as proofreader and vice-director. He is known to have taken the side opposed to the creation of Hunminjeongeum in 1446.
In 1456 he joined Seong Sam-mun, Bak Paeng-nyeon, Yi Gae, Yu Seong-won and Yu Eung-bu in plotting Danjong's restoration; the plot was exposed by Kim Jil's betrayal and he was executed by dismemberment. King Sejo is said to have valued his talent and urged him to submit, but he declined. His two sons Ha Ho and Ha Bak were also put to death, and his nephew Ha Won became his adopted heir.
Top Graduate and the Hall of Worthies
He took first place in the 1438 civil examination and became an assistant editor at the Hall of Worthies, also taking study leave. He later held posts such as proofreader and vice-director.
The Restoration Plot and Martyrdom
In 1456 he joined the Six Martyred Ministers' plot to restore Danjong; it was exposed by Kim Jil, and after interrogation he was executed by dismemberment. He is said to have declined King Sejo's attempts to win him over.
Family, Shrines and Rehabilitation
Two sons were executed and his nephew became his heir. Under Sukjong he was rehabilitated and posthumously made Minister of Personnel; he is enshrined at Minjeol Seowon in Noryangjin, Changjeolsa in Yeongwol, Woram Seowon in Seonsan and Chungok Seowon in Nonsan, among others.
Genealogy and the Branch Question
Ha Wi-ji was once known as an eighth-generation member of the Dangye-gong line, but a Sajik-gong genealogy published in 1828 led to his lineage being placed under the Sajik-gong branch, and it was merged into the 2000 comprehensive genealogy. Some descendants are said to keep a separate branch register, so accounts differ. See also Ha Yeon of the same branch.
Grave
His wife is said to have recovered his body and buried it at the foot of Gobangsan west of Seonsan; a cenotaph was also set up at the Six Martyred Ministers' Tombs in Noryangjin, Seoul, in 1977.
Descendants
His sons Ha Ho and Ha Bak were executed, and his nephew Ha Won continued the line as adopted heir. With Ha Yeon he is classified under the Sajik-gong branch.