Early Joseon Buddhist monk, lay name Kim Su-seong (金守省), elder brother of Kim Su-on
| Life | 미상 ~ 미상 |
| Era | 조선 초기 |
| Clan | 영산 김씨 |
Sinmi (信眉) was an early Joseon Buddhist monk of the Yeongdong (Yeongsan) Kim, with the lay name Kim Su-seong (金守省). His younger brother was the civil official Kim Su-on. Records say he was respected by Prince Suyang and Prince Anpyeong.
The Sejong sillok records that his brother Kim Su-on translated Buddhist texts with those two princes, and because Hangul appears in the Sangwonsa restoration appeal at Pyeongchang, it is suggested that Sinmi had a hand in vernacular Buddhist translations. The Chungcheong Ilbo says his relics remain at Bokcheonam of Seongbulsa on Songnisan.
The story that Sinmi took part in creating Hunminjeongeum is widely told, but unlike the Yeongdong Kim genealogy, which calls him a Hall of Worthies scholar, the Veritable Records contain no such record and there is no evidence he created it alone. The Wongak seonjong seok-bo cited as evidence does not fit fifteenth-century Korean usage and is presumed a later forgery. His life dates were not confirmed here.
Born into the Yeongdong Kim family as Kim Su-seong, he took the robe and became known as Sinmi. He is said to have been celebrated for his writing, and records tie him with his brother Kim Su-on to the translation of Buddhist texts.
Popular culture, including the TV drama Wang gwa Bi and the film The King's Letters (2019), has made the claim familiar. But there is no direct evidence in the sources, so legend and fact are best read apart.
His relics are said to remain at Bokcheonam of Seongbulsa on Songnisan; the exact stupa or tomb was not confirmed here.