Hong Seom

Hong Seom (洪暹, 17 October 1504 (lunar calendar 10 September) – 11 March 1585 (lunar calendar 11 February)¹) was a civil official of Joseon. His family seat was Namyang Tohongye, and his father was Chief State Councillor Hong Eon-pil. He was a disciple of Jo Gwang-jo. His courtesy name was Toeji (退之), his pen name was Injae (忍齋), and his posthumous name was Gyeongheon (景憲). He was posthumously conferred as a first-class Gwangguk Wonjong merit subjects.

Life

In 1528 (the 23rd year of King Jungjong), he passed the Samasi examination and became a Saengwon.

In 1531, he passed the Sikmyeong mungwa with a third-class rank and then served as Jeongeon.

In 1535, as Left Assistant Secretary of the Ministry of Personnel, he impeached the arbitrary rule of Kim An-no, but was exiled to Heungyang on a false accusation by Heo Hang, a member of Kim's faction.

In 1537, after Kim An-no was executed by royal order, he was released three years later (1540). Afterward he served as Supplementary Compiler, Vice Director of the Office of Special Advisers, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, and Grand Minister of Justice.

In 1552 (the 7th year of King Myeongjong), he was selected for the list of Clean Officials (淸白吏).

In 1558, he concurrently served as Minister of Personnel with the rank of Left Chanchanseong.

The following year (1559), when he was made concurrently Left Chanchanseong, Minister of Personnel, and Grand Academician, he resigned as Left Chanchanseong, saying that one could not hold the three great posts at once.

In 1560, as Minister of Personnel and Grand Academician, he impeached the tyranny of Yi Ryang, and then resigned.

In 1563, he was reinstated as Magistrate of the Office of Royal Justice and served as Grand Academician of the Office of Special Advisers and the Hongmun-gwan.

In 1567, he became Minister of Rites. On 28 June of that year, King Myeongjong died, and on 3 July King Seonjo ascended the throne. As Minister of Rites, he served as Wonsang (院相, an aged minister who assisted the young king) and decided on general state affairs.

On 1 April 1568, he rose to Right State Councillor. (1568.4.1–1571.5.1)

On 1 May 1571 (the 4th year of King Seonjo), he again became Left State Councillor and was granted a armrest and staff (几杖). (1571.5.1–1573.3.12/1st term)