고려 최우 집정기의 史官

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the function and characteristics of chroniclers during Choi U's rule in Goryeo Dynasty. Chroniclers are officers who record, compile, and conserve a nation's history. In early Goryeo, chroniclers were appointed among the pool of the originally scholars and passed a national examination. Under the military rule, however, military officers such as generals were appointed to serve as chroniclers. Choi U administration changes the policy following the earlier one so that the scholarly officers from the national examination could be selected as chroniclers. The only exception to the scholarly background was Choi U. He took the highest position in the nation's chronicle agency even though he was a military general. Most of the chroniclers during Choi U's rule consisted of civil officers known as Choi U's close servants from his inner circle. The chronicler's essential duties were recording and compiling national history including royal history and draft history of history book. Chroniclers compiled Royal History of King Myeongjong in the 14th year of Gojong's reign while Choi U virtually ruled the country. Chroniclers who participated in the compilation were mostly servants close to royal family, and civil officers supporting Choi U. Choi U made an alliance with King Gojong who aspired to publish royal history of his grandfather, King Myeongjong so that he can keep military powers in check while strengthening his own power. In the remarks on Royal History of King Myeongjong, chroniclers criticized King Myeongjong's maladministration and earlier military ruler's political blunders. Chroniclers for the royal history compilation reflected Choi U's political intent and contributed to reinforce his foothold. In addition, chroniclers during Choi U's rule did not either record the history or submit it to the nation's chronicle agency. Owing to Choi U's grace, they did not want to record Choi U's wrong doings and hand down the history book to future generations. A chronicler named Park Hwon published a history book exaggerating Choi U's achievement and glorifying him as a historical figure. Many chroniclers distorted the nation's history and did not perform their duty properly. They were more of faithful private servants of Choi U rather than chroniclers of Goryeo dynasty. Chroniclers during Choi U's rule were greatly influenced political power of the time. Choi U occupied the nation's history through his close servants, chroniclers.