Abstract

This paper examines the life and political activities of Hwang Shin(黃愼), a civil official who lived during the Middle Joseon Dynasty. Using Gosin(告身-certificates of appointment for the civil and military officials in the Joseon Dynasty), in addition to Annals of the Joseon Dynasty and Haengjang(行狀-posthumous profile), Hwang Shin's life was reconstructed in order of his family and government career in his early years, governmental life during the Imjin War, political activities during King Seonjo’s reign after the Imjin War, dishonor during King Gwanghae-gun’s reign, and glorification after his death. Hwang Shin, who was the first candidate in the civil service examination (Munkwa), confirmed that he was quickly promoted for his diplomatic work due to his skills and foreign language skills required during the Imjin War. He shone more brightly during the Imjin War and in diplomacy with Ming and Japan. However, Hwang Shin’s life was not free from political disputes due to the East-West factional strife (tangjaeng) during the reign of King Seonjo. Hwang Shin’s life was closely related to Gwanghae-gun, but after his death, his relationship with Gwanghae-gun was intentionally reduced or denied by the School of the Westerner(西人) forces of King Injo’s reign, and only the content identified by King Injo was emphasized. Eventually, memories of Hwang Shin varied over time, differing from historical reality.