Kim Jong-jik

Who was Kim Jong-jik?

Kim Jong-jik, often known by his pen name Jeompiljae, was a leading Korean Neo-Confucian scholar in the early Joseon Dynasty. He was born in Miryang in Gyeongsang province, to a yangban family of the Seonsan Kim lineage. He passed the jinsa literary licentiate examination in 1453 and the higher examination in 1459.

After passing the examination, Kim entered government service, holding a wide range of positions. He earned the special favor of King Seongjong, as well as the enmity of the Hungupa faction.

After his death, Kim Jong-jik's writings became the basis for the First Literati Purge of 1498 under the rule of Prince Yeonsan. His students included Kim Goeng-pil, who was killed in the subsequent Second Literati Purge or Gapja massacre of scholar along with many others. Later Kim Jong-jik's memory was rehabilitated, and he was enshrined in various seowon including Yerim Seowon in Miryang and Geumo Seowon in Gumi.