Yi Ryang


Yi Ryang, also spelled Lee Lyang, was a powerful politician during the Joseon period. His courtesy name was Gonggeo.

Biography

Yi Ryang was a member of the ruling Jeonju Yi clan and was a great-great-great-grandson of Grand Prince Hyoryeong through his son Yi Gab, Prince Boseong.
His older sister, Lady Yi, was the wife of Sim Kang. Their daughter, Lady Sim, married Grand Prince Gyungwon, a son of King Jungjong, who later became Myeongjong of Joseon.
In his early years, Yi Ryang studied at Chung Sa-ryong's private academies.
In 1546, he passed to Saengwon and Chinsa exams and in 1552, he passed the Imperial examination. Yi Ryang worked in the Inspection Department.
In 1550, there was tension with Yun Wŏnhyŏng's group of supporters, who were trying to take more government power at the time, and Yi Ryang was promoted rapidly under the auspices of King Myeongjong. He was promoted to second level bureaucrat after only two years.
In 1563, it was discovered that Yi Ryang had illegally accumulated wealth. As a result, he was ousted from the government, but his punishment was lessened due to Yun Wŏnhyŏng's intervention.
Yi Ryang died in exile on March 8, 1583.

Family

  • Father
  • * Yi Dae, Prince Jeonseong
  • Mother
  • * Lady Jeong of the Dongnae Jeong clan
  • Sibling
  • * Older brother: Yi Jeub
  • * Older brother: Yi Baek
  • * Older brother: Yi Geon
  • * Older brother: Yi Ryeok
  • * Older brother: Yi No
  • * Older sister: Yi Hui-gyeong, Internal Princess Consort Wansan of the Jeonju Yi clan
  • ** Niece: Queen Insun of the Cheongseong Sim clan
  • ** Nephew: Sim Ŭigyŏm
  • * Older brother: Yi Park
  • * Younger brother: Yi Oh
  • Wives and their issue:
  • * Lady Yun of the Haman Yun clan ; eldest daughter of Yun Ji-chong
  • ** Son: Yi Jeong-bin
  • *** Daughter-in-law: Lady Han of the Cheongju Han clan
  • ** Daughter: Lady Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan
  • *** Son-in-law: Kim Bong-seo of the Gwangsan Kim clan
  • ** Son: Yi Se-bin
  • ** Son: Yi Eon-bin
  • ** Son: Yi Han-bin
  • * Lady Yun of the Papyeong Yun clan ; daughter of Yun Ji-yang — No issue.
  • * Unnamed concubine
  • ** Unnamed son

    Books

  • Yongsailgi
  • Munsuji
  • ''Saseonggangmok''