Kim Myŏngwŏn

Kim Myŏngwŏn, born in 1534, emerged as a prominent military officer during the tumultuous period of the Imjin War in Korea. Hailing from the esteemed Gyeongju Kim clan, he was the son of the high-ranking official Kim Mangyun. His academic prowess was evident when he achieved the highest score in the civil service examination of 1561, subsequently earning a position as chwach'amch'an, a role of the second junior rank within the State Council.

His career took a significant turn in 1589 when he uncovered a conspiracy by provincial official Chŏng Yŏrip, who intended to attack the capital. This act of bravery earned him the title of