이덕형 李德馨

Mid-Joseon civil official and Chief State Councillor; art name Haneum (漢陰)

Life & career

Of the Gwangju Yi clan, his art name was Haneum (漢陰). The anecdote of "Oseong and Haneum," recounting his childhood friendship with Yi Hang-bok, is widely told. After passing the higher civil service examination, he held key posts and took the lead in overcoming the national crisis during the Imjin War.

When the Imjin War broke out, he crossed over to Ming China as an envoy requesting aid (cheongwonsa) and secured reinforcements, hosted the Ming general Li Rusong, and oversaw military affairs during and after the war. He later served as Right and Left State Councillor and rose to Chief State Councillor at a young age.

During the reign of Prince Gwanghae, he opposed the execution of Prince Yeongchang and the proposal to depose Queen Dowager Inmok, after which he retired from office and passed away. His literary collection Haneum Mun-go (漢陰文稿) survives.

Grave

Mokwang-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

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