조선시대의 삼년상과 기복제도

Abstract

Ki’bok(起復) is a practice of reappointment of public officials during thethree-year mourning period for their parents. In principle, all officials inmourning were obligated to resign from their posts, but some could bereappointed at the government’s need. Although it was a practical alternativefrom the government’s point of view, Ki’bok was controversial since itcontradicted with the practice of three-year mourning which was the core ofConfucian funeral rites. From individual perspective, Ki’bok was a changefrom mourning to re-entering the official career. This meant sacrificing theConfucian manners for the government and recovering a career break at thesame time. This study aims to understand the regulations, implementation,and changes of the Ki’bok system in the Joseon Dynasty by utilizing thedata from the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, Register of the Ministry ofRites, the Korean Literary Collections in Classical Chinese, etc. This study examines the process of the law, changes of social status of theofficials before and after the reappointment, and restrictions put upon thereappointed officials. This study examines the actual procedures viaspeculations of the law and the cases recorded in Register. It is normal foran official who is ordered Ki’bok to reject the reappointment, and the Kingto persuade him again. Various sources show the tendency of reappointedofficials to consider it honorable to appeal for rejection and to receive theKing’s reiterating orders. Despite the reappointment, the social status ofmourner is sustained. After the reappointment, restrictions on official duty, clothing, and diet are relieved, but the regulations on marriages andbanquets continue. Leaves of absence are granted separately to allow theattendance of major ceremonies. This study also examines the actual practice of Ki’bok in the JoseonDynasty in general, mainly recorded in the Annals. In the early Joseonperiod, relatively high number of Ki’bok was executed despite theopposition; the number increased particularly when there was a threat ofwar. In the late Joseon, only a few cases of Ki’bok are recorded exceptduring the wartime. The strict Ki’bok system was withdrawn in effect withthe Reform in 1895.