So Se-ryang

So Se-ryang (蘇世良, 1476 – 1528) was a civil official of Joseon. His family seat was Jinju (晋州). His courtesy name was Wonwu (元佑), and his pen names were Gonam (困菴) and Byeongam (屛巖). He rose to the post of Grand Remonstrator (大司諫).

Life

In 1496 (the 2nd year of King Yeonsan), he passed the Saengwon examination, and in 1507 (the 2nd year of King Jungjong), he passed the regular civil service examination with a third-class rank.

In 1514 (the 9th year of King Jungjong), he was appointed Jipyeong of the Office of the Inspector General. ¹ In 1516 he went out as magistrate of Yidam County (龍潭縣令). In 1520 he served as Vice Instructor (副應敎) and then became Jangnyeong of the Office of the Inspector General, and he reported: "I hear that in the courts of King Sejong and King Seongjong, every method of encouragement was exhausted; not only scholars but also officials of the court were given leave to read books, and royal rewards were very generous. Therefore, the scholars of that time were moved and inspired, and talented scholars were brilliantly produced, in a way that later ages could not match. It is said that if we observe that system now, we can encourage learning. Moreover, the study of human nature and principle (性理) and the study of literature (詞章) are not two different things. If one is well versed in literary expression, how could one fail to know the learning of human nature and principle? To be well versed in the affairs of Heaven, Earth, and humanity is what is called being a scholar, and a true scholar will know everything." ²

In 1522 he served as Sagan, Left Chief Secretary (左副承旨), Right Chief Secretary (同副承旨), and other posts, and in 1524 he rose to the post of Grand Remonstrator (大司諫) of the Office of Remonstrance. ³ He requested leave to care for his parents and volunteered for the post of magistrate of Namwon (南原府使), but he died because of excessive judgments in lawsuits (訟事).

Works

• Byeongamjip (屛巖集), 1 volume

Family

• Paternal grandfather: So Hyo-sik (蘇效軾)
  • Father: So Ja-pa (蘇自坡)
• Maternal grandfather: Wang Seok-ju (王碩珠)
  • Mother: Gaeseong Wang clan (開城王氏)