Actualizing an ideal Confucian nation

If the king was at the center of the Joseon Dynasty, the intellectual noblemen known as seonbi were at the center of Joseon politics and bureaucracy. Seonbi studied all their lives and took government jobs to help rule the nation. One of the most esteemed seonbi of Joseon was Yulgok Yi I, applauded as Joseon’s greatest scholar alongside Toegye Yi Hwang. But unlike Yi Hwang, who founded an independent Confucian cultural community in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province away from the central political scene, Yi I infused politics with his ideals and deep affection for his country and its people.

A child prodigy

Yi I is remembered not as the son of high-ranking official Yi Won-su, but that of renowned female artist Shin Saimdang. He was born in his maternal grandparents’ house on December 26th, 1536 in Gangneung, Gangwon Province.

He was widely known as a child prodigy whose bright mind was applauded nationwide when he passed a national exam with the top score at age 13. However, he did not start government career at the time because he was considered too young. After losing his mother at age 16, Yi went to Mt. Geumgang and studied Buddhism, but it was the Analects of Confucius that gave him enlightenment. Yi’s youthful wandering and intellectual uncertainties during his young adulthood resulted in the profound understanding and keen intellect required in governing a nation.

In fact, 23-year-old Yi sought out 58-year-old Yi Hwang for debate on several issues, which pointed him to his life goals. Yi chose to dive into the life of politics and again passed a national test at the top of his group. As a matter of fact, he finished first in all nine national tests he took through age 29.

Direct words for proper politics

Appointed to his first government post at age 29, Yi gained political experiences in important government branches like law enforcement and legislative departments. By age 40 he emerged as a leading policymaker and called for change in Joseon.

Sixteenth century Joseon was a time of confusion and turmoil. The ruling class was corrupt and aimless, which caused political chaos, an economic downturn, and serious social problems. Yi presented a reform plan to King Seonjo that argued for a sweeping institutional overhaul. Yi said just as a decrepit house should be renovated by rebuilding pillars and hiring competent contractors, a nation’s policies must be modified to keep pace with the changing times.

In his work, “Seonghakjipyo,” published in 1575, Yi again urged for reform and the need to raise an army of 100 thousand soldiers. He was convinced that Joseon would face a serious hardship within ten years if the country did not beef up its military readiness and power. But his dire warnings fell on deaf ears of government officials and noblemen who were busy feuding among themselves. Sickened by their incompetence and indifference, Yi retired and returned home at age 48 after serving some 20 years in the government. Unfortunately, he soon passed away in 1584. The king, deeply saddened by the death of his trusted advisor, gave him the name “Munseong (Learning Completed)” to honor his achievements.

Yi’s action-oriented and realistic arguments helped advance neo-Confucianism in Joseon and inspired the rise of civil leaders who led militias against foreign invaders until the end of the Joseon era. His intellect and ideas continue to guide us through life’s difficulties even today.