Hŏ Chŏk

Hŏ Chŏk (許積, 1608-1680) was a prominent Korean scholar-official and politician of the Joseon Dynasty. He served as Chief State Councillor (Yeonguijeong) during the reign of King Sukjong. Hŏ Chŏk was a leading figure in the Southerner (Namin) faction, which advocated for practical learning and reform.

Hŏ Chŏk's career was marked by both political success and eventual downfall. He rose through the ranks due to his intellectual capabilities and his alignment with the Namin faction, which gained considerable influence during Sukjong's reign. He was known for his strong personality, his advocacy for Confucian principles, and his attempts to strengthen royal authority.

However, his political fortunes changed dramatically during the Gyeongsul Disputation in 1680. This political conflict centered on the period of mourning to be observed for Queen Inseon, the second wife of King Hyojong. Hŏ Chŏk and the Namin faction argued for a one-year mourning period, following what they considered to be the established ritual for a stepmother. However, the Westerner (Seoin) faction advocated for a three-year mourning period, arguing that the Queen should be treated as the King's primary wife.

King Sukjong ultimately sided with the Westerner faction, viewing Hŏ Chŏk's actions as a challenge to royal authority and a sign of Namin factionalism becoming too powerful. As a result, Hŏ Chŏk was accused of treason and executed. His death marked a significant turning point in Joseon politics, leading to the downfall of the Namin faction and the resurgence of the Westerners. Hŏ Chŏk remains a controversial figure in Korean history, remembered both for his contributions to Joseon society and for his role in the political upheavals of his time.