Misil

Misil (Korean: 미실; Hanja: 美室; c. 546/548 – c. 612) was a Silla aristocrat whose historical existence is debatable. According to the Hwarang Segi, she was a concubine to several kings and, along with her aunt Queen Sado, played an instrumental role in dethroning King Jinji. However, it has been questioned whether Misil was truly a historical figure, as she is only mentioned in the Hwarang Segi, and not in the historical texts Samguk sagi or Samguk yusa.

Biography

According to the Hwarang Segi, Misil was the daughter of Lord Mijinbu and Lady Myodo, a sister of Queen Sado, the consort of Jinheung of Silla. Her paternal grandmother was Princess Samyeop, daughter of King Beopheung. Due to her lineage, Misil was a member of the jingol (진골; 眞骨), or the noble true bone caste. Matrilineally, she belonged to the Matrilineal clan of Daewon Shintong (대원신통; 大元神統) or directly translated as the divine succession of the great prime. The Daewon Shintong is believed to be descent from Bomi, however, the records in the reigns of Soji of Silla, that Bomi, the Lady Daewon (大元夫人), died and was buried at the age of 82. Lady Daewon has given birth to 12 children from several different fathers. Because of her nobility, her descendants were known as Daewon or great prime tribe. (大元族).¹

She was the wife of Lord Sejong (the sixth Pungwolju), the lover of General Seolwon (the seventh Pungwolju) and the older sister of Lord Misaeng (the tenth Pungwolju). She was concubine to three successive Silla kings: King Jinheung, King Jinji, and King Jinpyeong. Legend states that she was in love with Crown Prince Dongnyeon. Her sons became the 11th and 16th pungwoljus, Hajong (through Sejong) and Bojong (through Seolwon), respectively.

According to Hwarang Segi: Misil became King Jinji's concubine after his father, King Jinheung died. However, he lost interest on her after falling in love with another woman. His mother, Queen Sado, was angered about his sudden change of heart and failing to keep his promise on making her niece (Misil) into his Queen.