선조 초반의 정국과 학문적 대응 - 이황과 기대승을 중심으로 -

Abstract

The Joseon society witnessed a major shift in social order during the time which began with king Myeongjong’s reign and continued throughout the reign of king Seonjo. At the time, the most pressing issue was how to resolve the old order of the Joseon period’s first half, and create a new order that would serve the next generation. The political faction represented by the Sarim figures seem to have believed that their goal would only be possible by purging the government of previous power holders and members of the royal family’s in-law figures, and that a completely new political structure was required in order to do just that. This new political structure would invite the king to be on the Sarim figures’ side, so that the vassals could be able to mold the king into an ideal leader of noble governing. Attended at the first Gyeong’yeon (Royal Study) session that was held after Seonjo was enthroned was Gi Dae-seung, who was well aware of such obligation shared by all Sarim figures. But it was not a task that he could take on all on his own, so he sought for the assistance of Yi Hwang, his master and leading Confucian scholar of the Joseon dynasty. He implored that Yi Hwang return to the government and guide king Seonjo, and Yi Hwang agreed to come back to Joseon central politics. Yi Hwang wanted to educate king Seonjo and guide him to the world of noble teachings and governing with the renowned ‘Appeal’ entitled “Six Recommendations made [to the king] in the Mujin year,” as well as Seong’hak Shibdo, which contained 10 principles that would lead one to the ancient master’s lessons. It was yet another attempt on Yi Hwang’s part to rectify the problems in Joseon monarchy by having the king become accustomed to noble governing, in which the king should recognize his own vassals as ‘partners’ in country ruling. Yi Hwang was aided by Gi Dae-seung in every step on the road: creating Seong’hak Shibdo, completing it, delivering it to Seonjo and creating blocks to print them. Seong’hak Shibdo was his own writing, but came to light with Gi Dae-seung’s devoted assistance, and was also based upon a perspective that was shared by all Sarim figures. Because Gi Dae-seung and Yi Hwang were able to join forces and present the king and the world with a new type of kingship and reform ideas, the Joseon society was able to evade a catastrophic recess and begin a new era of peace and prosperity that would last for the next two centuries.