Kim Yang-taek

Kim Yang-taek (金陽澤, 1712 – 1777) was a Joseon scholar-official. His courtesy name was Sasseo (士舒), his pen name Geon'am (健庵), and his posthumous name Mungan (文簡). He is presumed to be a descendant of the Hungu minister Kim Guk-gwang. He was a Noron confidant of King Jeongjo. He rose to the post of Chief State Councillor and was a Chief State Councillor who enjoyed Jeongjo's trust and a leading figure of the Noron, but his official rank was stripped after the treasonous plot of Kim Ha-jae; it was later restored by Jeongjo.

Life

After passing the civil service examination

After passing the civil service examination, Kim Yang-taek held a succession of posts including Seolseo, Jeongeon, Subchan, Sasseo, Bugyoli, Subchan, Busubchan, Munhak, Heonnap, Gyoli, and Pilseon, passing through the prestigious clerical posts, the censorial posts, and the Okdang (Hall of Worthies) posts. For a time he was sent out to serve in a local post as magistrate of Yeongbyeon.

After promotion to senior rank

He served as Grand Remonstrator, Royal Secretary, Chancellor of Sungkyunkwan, Governor of Hwanghae Province, Vice Director of the Hall of Worthies, and Governor of Chungcheong Province, and as a Noron confidant of King Yeongjo he was active alongside Kim Sang-ro, Kim Sang-bok, Yi Chon-bo, Hong Bong-han, Han Ik-mo, Min Baek-sang, and Kim Sang-cheol.

After promotion to minister

Afterwards he held the posts of Chancellor of Sungkyunkwan, Chief Academician of the Hall of Worthies, Chief State Censor, Vice Minister of Personnel, Right Vice Minister of the Heir Apparent's Office, Left Guest Attendant, Minister of Personnel, Chief Academician of the Royal Secretariat, Minister of Justice, , Commissioner of the Royal Secretariat, , and Supervisor, and in these roles he took a vigorous part in protecting Jeongjo together with , , , , and .