將臣 申正熙의 仕宦 이력과 활동

Abstract

In this article, I reviewed the aspect of the General Shin Chung-hee's career and activities in the late Joseon dynasty. General Shin Chung-hee(申正熙) was born in the distinguished family. His father Shin Heun(申櫶) and great-grandfather Shin Hong-ju(申鴻周) were well knowned in the military field as well. They were famous genarals in the late Joseon dynasty. Shin Chung-hee joined as a senior officier at young age. The King Heunjong get count on him as one of the most-expected in the next generation. Unfortunately the King met an untimely death at the young age. The king after next, Gojong, opened up the way of promotion to Shin Chung-hee. As a high-ranking officer, he served in a unit of the king's bodyguards that was in the royal palace. Shin Chung-hee served in various high-ranking government posts such as a commanding officer, a deputy mayor of Seoul, and et cetera. In 1877, he was nominated as the chief of the national police agency which was called Pododaejang(捕盜大將) in Joseon dynasty. As the Pododaejang, Shin Chung-hee announced a new policy and stuck to his guns to continue the war on a state of disorder among the people. "Whoever breaks the law shall be punished." Even the servants of the predominant power holder were executed. Shin Chung-hee, the Pododaejang became the minion of the public. General Shin Chung-hee resisted against for the Japanese invasion. He refused to cooperate with the Japanese in every parts. On the other hand, as a commander in Chief of Sunmuyoung(巡撫營), general Shin Chung-hee suppressed the uprising of the Donghak Peasant Army. Right before the end of the uprising, however, General Shin Chung-hee had to resigned the commandership of Sunmuyoung because the Japanese opposited to him.