Seong Seok-rin

Seong Seok-rin (成石璘, 1338–1423) was a Goryeo and early Joseon civil official. His family seat was Changnyeong, and he was the son of Seong Yeo-wan (成汝完), Buwongun of Changnyeong (昌寧府院君). His courtesy name was Jasu (自修) and his art name was Dokgok (獨谷). He took part in the dynastic change led by Yi Seong-gye and was registered as a Meritorious Subject of Loyal Service, Protection of Integrity, and Assistance in Transformation (端誠保節贊化功臣). Under King Taejong he was enfeoffed as Buwongun of Changnyeong (昌寧府院君), and after serving as Right State Councillor and Left State Councillor, he rose to Chief State Councillor in 1415. His posthumous name was Munkyeong (文景).

Life

He passed the civil service examination in 1357 (6th year of King Gongmin). He rose to the rank of Jeolli Chongnang (典理摠郞), but was demoted to magistrate of Haeju after being slandered by Shin Don. He later returned, became Seonggyungwan Saseong (成均館司成), was selected as Miljik Daeeon (密直代言), and rose to Jisinsa (知申事).

After King U ascended the throne in 1375, while serving as Miljik Hakje (密直提學), a large-scale Japanese pirate (wokou) invasion occurred. He became Jojeon (助戰) Wonsu and fought under Yang Baek-yeon (楊伯淵), achieving great merit and receiving the title of meritorious subject. He was promoted to Dongjisasa (同知司事), but later was implicated in Yang Baek-yeon's imprisonment and was exiled to Hamam (咸安). After returning, he was enfeoffed as Changwon-gun (昌原君).

After serving as Jeongdang Munhak (政堂文學), while he was Governor of Yanggwang-do (楊廣道), a great famine struck, and he established a Uichang (義倉, public granary) to ensure thorough relief. The court then ordered every other province to establish Uichang as well. He became Munha Pyeongni (門下評理).

In 1389 he conspired with Yi Seong-gye to expel King U and his son King Chang and to install King Gongyang, and he became one of the Nine Meritorious Subjects. He served as Daejehak (大提學) and became Munha Chanseongsa (門下贊成事).

Afterward, at the beginning of the Joseon dynasty, he was accused of being part of the faction of Yi Saek and Woo Hyun-bo (禹玄寶) and was placed in internal exile in his hometown. He later returned to office and passed through the posts of Munha Ujeongseung (門下右政丞), Left Chief Minister, Right State Councillor, and Left State Councillor before reaching Chief State Councillor.