The Birth of Prestigious Family in the Joseon Dynasty: A Look at the Jang-dong Kim Clan

By Lee Kihyun, Associate Curator, Jeonju National Museum

Yi Haeung 1820–1898 , better known as Daewongun (Prince of the Great Court) or Heungseon Daewongun, wished to curb the political influence of the Jangdong Kim clan and restore power to the royal family; so in 1845 he moved the tomb of his father, Namyeongun (Prince Namyeon), to Gayasan Mountain in the Yesan area of Chungcheongnam-do. A geomancer at the time claimed that the site would “yield Emperors through two generations.”

The tomb of Namyeongun rests on a towering hill nestled in the embrace of the Gayasan Mountain peak behind. The location affords an unobstructed view to the south that reaches as far as Hongseong and Boryeong, which is ideal for a grave. The 2017 movie Myeongdang, starring Jo Seungu and Ji Seong, tells the story of how the dominant Jang-dong Kim clan and the Yi Haeung competed over the tomb site, which, they believed, had the power to alter their respective fates with regard to political power. Fig.2

The Jang-dong Kim clan is remembered for wielding great political influence in late Joseon, reaching as far as the throne itself. How did this happen? The clan was at the height of its glory at the time when its members were known for their fidelity to principle, Neo-Confucian learning, and masterful literary style—all the virtues necessary for being part of the scholar-official class in Joseon. Here is a look at how the Jang-dong Kim, a clan of scholars from the provinces, managed to emerge as a highly honored family in the capital.

The Jang-dong Kim clan, a branch of the Andong Kim clan, resided in the Andong region of Gyeongsang-do for generations. In the fifteenth century, Kim Gyegwon became the first member of the Jang-dong Kim clan to move to the capital, Hanyang (now Seoul). He lived with his sons in Jangui-dong (now Samcheong-dong), and they became part of the literati society in the capital. From this time, they became known as the Jangdong Kim clan rather than the Andong Kim clan. Figs.4 and 6

The scholarship and artistic achievements of the Jang-dong Kim clan flourished after its member began marrying a member of the reputable Dongnae Jeong clan. Once Kim Geukhyo 1542–1618 became the son-in-law of Jeong Yugil 1515–1588 , he was allowed, at the young age of 28, to join gatherings of Joseon’s leading scholars of the day, including Yi Hwang 1501–1570 , Yi I 1536–1584 , and Yu Seongryong 1542–1607 . Kim Geukhyo’s sons, Kim Sangyong 1561–1637 and Kim Sangheon 1570–1652 , were able to study under famous scholars, thanks to Jeong Yugil’s influence. Their maternal grandfather was also a renowned calligrapher, and they inherited his artistic skills as well.

When the Joseon Dynasty was invaded by the Manchus in 1636 and 1637, the Jang-dong Kim clan gained credentials for remaining loyal to the Ming cause. Kim Sangyong set himself on fire after the Manchu forces took Ganghwado Island, and Kim Sangheon refused to submit to Manchu authority even after being held in harsh confinement in Manchuria for six years. Joseon scholars praised the two brothers as paragons of virtue during times of great turmoil. Fig.5

Kim Sangheon’s grandsons Kim Sujeung 1624–1701 , Kim Suheung 1626–1690 , and Kim Suhang 1629–1689 all maintained the same strict political positions as had their forebears had done, and they were sent into exile repeatedly as a result. Kim Suhang was forced to take poison while in exile, and before death, he left these final words to his six sons: “Do not strive for high posts in government; concentrate on learning, instead.” Heeding these words, his sons all devoted themselves to scholarship and art, and they led the blossoming of literati culture in the seventeenth-century Joseon Dynasty. The clan members took great pride in this legacy of fidelity to principle, Neo- Confucian learning, and masterful literary style, which bonded them closely together. Figs.1 and 3

Jang-dong Kim clan members were intensely interested in the seventeenth century international situation. They managed to lead literati society in the Joseon capital because they accepted new ideas and things, within the scope permitted by the prevailing worldview of the time. They traveled to Beijing as part of official embassies, exposing them to new academic trends and providing the wherewithal to respond appropriately to social changes. Fig.7

However, in the early nineteenth century repeated marriages between the Jang-dong Kim clan and Joseon royal family transformed the clan into the most powerful group of royal in laws. The Jang-dong Kim clan members then lost their flexibility in thinking and proceeded to act in the way typical of politically influential families. The process through which the Jang-dong Kim clan grew, advanced, and emerged as a political force closely resembles the way in which things rise and fall in history. Viewing the artworks left behind by the Jang-dong Kimclan members provides an opportunity to reevaluate their legacy.