Joseon civil official who led the anti-peace resistance during the Manchu invasion of 1636
Same-name figures:
김상헌(金尙憲) — Independence patriot · March First Movement · Patriotic Medal (愛國章, 1991)
| Life | 1570 ~ 1652 |
| Era | 조선 |
| Clan | 안동 김씨 |
Kim Sang-heon (金尙憲, 1570–1652) was a scholar-official of the mid-Joseon period. His courtesy name was Sukdo, his pen name Cheongeum, and his clan seat Andong. After passing the special state examination in 1596, he held all six ministerial posts in turn, including Minister of Public Works, Punishments, Rites, and Personnel, and was appointed Inspector-General five times in two years from 1633, renowned for his uncompromising censorial activity.
While serving as Minister of Rites in 1636, when the Second Manchu Invasion broke out, he accompanied King Injo to Namhansan Fortress, rejected calls for peace negotiations, and argued to the end for resistance against Qing; he became a symbol of principled loyalty for tearing up the letter of surrender drafted by Choe Myeong-gil. In 1639 he was taken to Qing China and held for six years before returning home to serve as Left State Councillor. After his death he was posthumously promoted to Chief State Councillor and given the posthumous title Munjeong. He left behind the literary collection Cheongeum jeonjip and Namsarok, a record from his time as an inspection envoy to Jeju. His grandsons Kim Su-hang and Kim Su-heung later also served as Chief State Councillors.
Seoksil, Deokso-ri, Wabu-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do (Gyeonggi-do Monument No. 100)
His line continued through his grandsons Kim Su-jeung, Kim Su-heung, and Kim Su-hang, and became the foundation of the powerful Jangdong (New) Andong Kim clan, which produced numerous ministers and queens among his descendants.