Cho Inbyŏk


Cho Inbyŏk, was a military official in the Late Goryeo dynasty who came from the Hanyang Cho clan. He was the husband of Princess Jeonghwa, who was the sister of the founder of the Joseon dynasty, Yi Sŏng-gye, who granted him the title Internal Prince Yongwon when the dynasty was established.

Biography

Early life and family background

Cho Inbyŏk was born into the Hanyang Cho clan in 1330 as a son of Cho Ton and his wife, Lady Yi, who was the daughter of Yi Hongbok from the Ganseong Yi clan. He had three younger brothers: Cho Ingyŏng, Cho Ingyu, and Cho Inok.
His ancestors traced back Goryeo period as a local family from Yongjin-hyeon. His great-grandfather, Cho Hwi, conspired with T'ak Ch'ŏng and revolted in Ssangseong in 1258 during King Gojong's reign. After they reached the north of Hwaju and surrendered to the Yuan dynasty, the position of Ssangseong General Government Office was established, to which the Cho family were hereditarily appointed governors from generation to generation.

Military career

In 1361, Cho contributed when the Red Turbans invaded Goryeo. In 1363, he also contributed to subjugate Kim Yong's Rebellion.
In 1372, Hobaldo, Changhaema, and others came to attacked Yisŏng and Kanggye, Cho went out as a judge and subjugated the enemy in Kaju. Then, when the Japanese plundered Hamju and Pukch'ŏngju, he marched out and ambushed the soldiers, defeating the Japanese and beheaded at least 70 people. From this achievement, he was worshiped as a .

Reign of King Chang

After King U was expelled to Ganghwa Island, his son, King Chang, ascended the throne. Around 1388, it was believed that U's birthday was in Todang, so Cho was sent alongside Ku Sŏngno to Ganghwa in order to present clothes for him.
When U was in Ganghwa, he was immediately moved to Yeoheung-gun led by Cho, Chi Yonggi, U Hongsu, and Yu Chun. Not long after that, Chang was dethroned and killed alongside his father due to the claims that he was not a true descendant of the House of Wang, but a descendant of Sin Ton.

Reign of King Gongyang

In 1389, Cho was promoted into the position of in Gyeongjin. However, when he was rewarded for his service to the country, he was believed to already be deceased.

Later life

After the new Joseon dynasty was established, Pyŏn Annyŏl, Wang Andŏk, Chi Yonggi, Yi Wŏn'gye, Chŏng Chi, and Ch'oe Kongch'ŏl all became the second rank merit subjects.

Family

  • Father: Cho Ton
  • *Grandfather: Cho Yanggi ; son of Cho Hwi.
  • Mother: Lady Yi of the Ganseong Yi clan
  • *Grandfather: Yi Hongbok
  • Younger brothers:
  • *Cho Ingyŏng
  • *Cho Ingyu
  • *Cho Inok
  • Wives and children:
  • *Lady Chŏng, of the Hadong Chŏng clan
  • **1st son: Cho On, Internal Prince Hancheon
  • *Lady Yi, of the Jeonju Yi clan
  • **2nd son: Cho Yŏn, Internal Prince Hanpyeong
  • **3rd son: Cho Hu
  • **4th son: Cho Sa
  • **5th son: Cho Pu
  • **1st daughter: Lady Cho – married Hwang Kilwŏn.
  • **2nd daughter: Lady Cho – married Im Maengyang, nephew of Im Kyŏnmi.