Early Joseon official, Inspector General and Vice Minister of Works; sided with the Soyun faction in the 1545 purge
| Life | 1563 |
| Era | 조선 중종·명종 |
| Clan | 여양 진씨 |
Jin Bok-chang (陳復昌, d. 1563) was an early Joseon official from the Yeoyang seat, courtesy name Suchu, born in Pungdeok. His great-grandfather was Jin Yu-beon, grandfather Jin Seok-gyeong and father the magistrate Jin Ui-son; he studied under Gu Su-bok. His birth year is unknown.
He topped the 1535 special civil examination as a licentiate, then served as Proofreader, Compiler and Senior Remonstrator, Vice Director of Special Counselors and Governor of Bupyeong, then Inspector General, and in 1560 Vice Minister of Works. He was skilled in prose and calligraphy and is said to have left poems such as Yeokdaega and Mangoga.
He is better known for his political conduct: relying on the in-law power Yun Won-hyeong (Soyun), he led the purge of the Daeyun-aligned literati in the 1545 purge, and the historians called him a venomous snake. In 1550 he is said to have had Gu Su-dam, who had recommended him, condemned and put to death. Rejected even by Yun, he was dismissed and exiled to Samsu, and died in exile in 1563 after further charges.
Topping the 1535 special examination was among the highest honors of the day. His later posts as Proofreader, Compiler and Senior Remonstrator show that his learning and prose were recognized.
In the records Jin Bok-chang is criticized for leaning on a powerful figure rather than standing with the literati. It is worth remembering that the historians' harsh verdict reflects the viewpoint of the literati of the day. He was also a poet, but the contents of his works were not confirmed here.
He is said to have died in exile; the location of his tomb was not confirmed.