Yun Jeung

Yun Jeung (윤증, 1629-1714) was a prominent Korean Neo-Confucian scholar and official of the Joseon dynasty. He is often associated with the Noron (Old Learning) faction, though his relationship with them was complex and often contentious.

Yun Jeung was known for his rigorous adherence to Neo-Confucian principles and his emphasis on self-cultivation and moral rectitude. He strongly believed in the importance of good governance based on ethical principles. He famously refused multiple offers of high government posts, preferring to remain in his hometown and dedicate himself to scholarship and teaching. This refusal stemmed partly from his disapproval of the political climate and the perceived corruption within the government.

Yun Jeung was a student of Song Si-yeol, a towering figure in Joseon Neo-Confucianism. However, Yun Jeung's interpretation of Neo-Confucianism sometimes differed from that of his teacher, leading to disagreements and ultimately a public rupture known as the "Hoeje Treaty Controversy" (회제 시비). This controversy, which involved questions of ritual practice and the proper way to mourn ancestors, became a major point of contention between the Noron faction and those who supported Yun Jeung. The controversy ultimately contributed to deepening divisions within the Joseon political landscape.

His writings and philosophical ideas continue to be studied and debated by scholars of Korean Confucianism. He is remembered as a man of principle who prioritized ethical conduct over political ambition. His collected works are known as the Myeongjae Yugo (명재유고).