Jo Gwang-jo

Who was Jo Gwang-jo?

Jo Gwang-jo, also often called by his pen name Jeong-am, was Korean Neo-Confucian scholar who pursued radical reforms during the reign of King Jungjong of Joseon Dynasty in early 16th century.

He was framed with charges of factionalism by the power elite that opposed his reform measures and was sentenced to drink poison in the Third Literati Purge of 1519. He has been widely venerated as a Confucian martyr and an embodiment of "seonbi spirit" by later generations in Korea. Some historians consider him one of the most influential figures in 16th century Korea.