Abstract

The Samhan Meritorious Subjects, who contributed to the founding of Koryŏ, were bestowed their titles across a wide range of individuals, thereby making it difficult for them to exercise power solely based on this recognition. Their influence weakened throughout the early succession struggles of the Koryŏ dynasty, particularly by the time of Gwangjong’s enthronement due to factors such as political strife and aging. Building on this shifting political topography, Gwangjong implemented various reforms, including the appointment of Han Chinese (漢人) such as Ssang Gi (雙冀) and the introduction of the civil service examination, which allowed new talents to enter the central bureaucracy. However, the excessive favoritism toward these newly appointed officials became problematic. The accusation from Gwon Shin (權信) in the 11th year of Gwangjong’s reign (970 ) marked a turning point, ultimately leading Gwangjong to trust false accusations and resulting in the execution or exile of many officials. Nonetheless, his fundamental policy of appointing individuals with Confucian qualifications was maintained. To eliminate the accusatory atmosphere of his predecessor’s reign, King Gyeongjong focused on institutional reforms such as the introduction of Jipjung (執政) and the Jeonsigwa (田柴科). At the same time, he maintained the policy of appointing capable individuals from Gwangjong’s era, thus continuing to cultivate and appoint officials with a foundation in Confucianism. This policy persisted into the reign of King Seongjong, thereby contributing to the further development and refinement of the Koryŏ bureaucratic system.