Sim On

Sim On
Hangul	심온
Hanja	沈溫
Revised Romanization	Sim On
McCune–Reischauer	Sim On

Sim On (1375 – 18 January 1419 (the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month 1418)) was a Prime Minister or Chief State Councillor of the Korean Joseon Dynasty from September 1418 to December 1418 and the father of a Queen and father-in-law to King Sejong. He is known for his treason charges, which eventually led to his death and further strengthening of the royal power.

Born of the Cheongsong Sim clan (靑松 沈氏), during the late Goryeo Dynasty, he passed the examinations and entered the government at age eleven. At that time, general Yi Seong-gye had full control of the government and had eliminated most of his rivals throughout Goryeo. Sim On, fully realizing that the Goryeo dynasty was at its end, joined Yi’s fraction and worked hard in bringing about a new dynasty. Finally, when General Yi rose to the throne in 1392, Sim On was one of those who gained a new post and influence in assisting Yi found the Joseon Dynasty.

In 1411, under King Taejong’s rule, Sim On was appointed to the post of administrating the province of Hamgyong-do. He dismissed corrupt sheriffs and judges, and toiled in improving the governmental power in the region.

As Sim On was a very capable civil administrator, he was promoted several times, and also worked in the roles of the Minister of Industry, Civil Affairs and Agriculture. When the court began selecting the candidates for the princess consort of Chungnyeong (later King Sejong), he included his daughter in the candidacy, resulting in her selection.

When Chungnyeong became king in the year 1418, Sim’s daughter "Lady Sim" (심씨; 沈氏, women were referred by only their family names; ssi means family) became Queen Sohunhwanghu, and Sim On rose to the office of "Prime Minister" the highest non-royal role in the country.

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