A Description of Jeong Gae-cheong by Heo Mok and Nam-in's Perception of the Literati Purge of 1589

Sarim(士林), who entered the central government during the reign of King Seongjong, aimed for politics based on Confucian ethics. During the reign of King Seonjo, Sarim was divided into conflicts over the liquidation of the politics of the Cheokshin(戚臣), and the voice of Sarim, who demanded the liquidation of the politics of the Cheokshin, grew louder. Seo-in tried to break the political situation led by Dong-in by maintaining a friendly attitude toward the Cheokshin. On the other hand, the Dong-in confronted the Seo-in, insisting on the liquidation of the politics of the Cheokshin. Jeong Yeo-lip's rebellion occurred in the confrontation between the Dong-in and the Seo-in. Although Honam's Dong-in was politically destroyed by Gichukoksa(己丑獄事), Nam-in, who was separated from the Dong-in, promoted the identity of the Dong-in who was killed unfairly. In particular, Heo Mok emphasized that he was politically victimized by writing 「Sebyeon(世變)」 to restore the honor of Jeong Gae-cheong and Choi Young-kyung. Futhermore, Heo Mok clearly revealed recognition of Gichukoksa by placing alongside Jo Gwang-jo of Gimyosahwa(己卯士禍). These interests and efforts of Heo Mok influenced the Honam family, including Naju. In 1690, A Confucian academy was established in Naju to orient Heo Mok. Since then, Michon seowon in Naju became the stronghold of Nam-in. Nam-in, who was appointed near Naju, visited Michon seowon and tried to print a collection of Heo Mok's writings. Jeong Jae-won, Jeong Yak-yong's father, was also appointed as Hwasun County's governor and actively participated in the management of Micheon Seowon. In the process of discussing the reconstruction of Michon seowon, Nam-in, including Jeong Jae-won, wanted to keep a collection of Heo Mok's writings. Heo Mok's assessment of Gichukoksa is expected to become more widely known through his writings. Thus, the perception of Nam-in who wanted to reevaluate Gichukoksa as ‘Gichuksahwa(己丑士禍)’was reflected in Jeong Yak-yong's 『Dongnamsosa(東南小史)』 and Hwang Deok-gil's 『Joyasinpi(朝野信筆)』.