Official who served four reigns from Jungjong to Seonjo; listed as an honest official (Cheongbaengni); pen name Seogyo
| Life | 1510 ~ 1601 |
| Era | 조선 중기 |
| Clan | 진천 송씨 |
Song Chan (宋贊, 1510-1601) was a mid-Joseon official of the Jincheon clan, with courtesy name Chisuk and pen name Seogyo (西郊). According to the Academy of Korean Studies he was a son of Song Se-jeung, a Saji; he passed the saengwon examination in 1537 and the 1540 regular civil examination in the second class. Wikipedia and Yongin Sinmun agree on these years. Yongin Sinmun says he served four kings, Jungjong, Injong, Myeongjong and Seonjo.
Sources differ on his final posts. Wikipedia says that after serving as Right Chamchan in 1594 he reached Pan Dolnyeongbu-sa and Pan Jungchu-bu-sa; Yongin Sinmun says Gyeonggi Governor and Right Chanseong; a clan site says Gyeongsang Governor, Vice-Minister of Punishments and Left Chanseong, becoming head of the Giroso at 90 and dying at 92. The Veritable Records of Seonjo should be consulted.
He is best remembered for integrity: Yongin Sinmun says he handled public affairs cleanly and firmly and was listed as an honest official (Cheongbaengni), the only one of the Jincheon Song. Another report says the rank of Sungjeong daebu was awarded posthumously. Unlike his forebears who served in the Mongol wars of late Goryeo, he served in the era of the Sarim and shows the family continuing as a scholar-official house.
Wikipedia says the clan produced 42 civil-examination graduates in Joseon (Yongin Sinmun says 40), and Song Chan is one of the best known. His grave and any collected works were not confirmed here.
A Cheongbaengni was an official chosen in Joseon as incorruptible and fair. Yongin Sinmun introduces Song Chan as the only Cheongbaengni of the Jincheon Song.