임영대군과 오산군을 통해서 본 조선초기 종친의 역할

Abstract

The Chosŏn Dynasty had taken sage kingship and people-centered politics as its key strategies since its founding period in an effort to establish a newtype of state. Kings, including King T’aejo, the founder of the dynasty, and KingT’aejong·Sejong·Sejo attempted to administer the government based on strongpolitical powers. In particular, King T’aejong and King Sejo eliminated a number of royal relatives who challenged them or didn’t support themselves to protect their kingship. Paradoxically, however, kings during the early Chosŏn period were in need of thesupport of various political groups to solidify their sovereignty. From the perspective of the king, it was the royal relatives, amongst other political groups, that had ahigh potential for political utilization. Regardless of their will, those royal relativeswho were connected to the king by blood could hardly be free from the complicatedpolitical atmosphere of the early Chosŏn dynasty. King Sejo dethroned King Tanjong and eliminated his competitors, Grand PrinceAnp’yŏng and Grand Prince Kŭmsŏng. In the midst of that political turmoil, KingSejo avidly sought support from his brothers such as Grand Prince Imyŏng. Accordingly, King Sejo appointed Grand Prince Imyŏng to various positions and displayedhis steady fraternity and trust in the prince during his entire reign. Prince Osan also won King Sejo’s favor and was appointed to various posts oftrust. However, since his father prince Imyŏng played a key role among royal relatives during the reign of King Sejo, Prince Osan’s role was limited. Therefore, it wasduring the reign of King Sŏngjong when his role became more influential among the royal relatives: at that time, the political role of Prince Osan expanded serving as akey figure of the Office of Royal Clan.