The existence and activities of the Gyeonggi Province rebels during King Yeongjo’s Musin Rebellion -Centered on Suwon Dohobuw-

In 1728 (the 4th year of King Yeongjo’s reign), Chungcheong, Gyeongsang, and Jeolla Provinces are known as regions that participated in the Musin Rebellion, which was initiated by the Namin and Junsoron factions. However, Han Se-hong, a leading figure of the rebellion, testified that the rebel forces wielded significant influence between Yangseong, Jinwi, and Yongin. Based on this testimony, and by examining the rebellious individuals using the ‘Musin Yeok-ok Chuan’ (Records of the Musin Treason Case) as the primary source, and ‘Yeongjo Sillok’ (Annals of King Yeongjo) and ‘Seungjeongwon Ilgi’ (Diaries of the Royal Secretariat) as supplementary materials, a total of 100 Musin Rebellion rebels originating from 8 gun-hyeons (counties/districts) under the jurisdiction of Suwon Dohobuw in Gyeonggi Province were identified. In addition, there were 19 people who were from Suwon Dohobu and led the rebellion by holding important positions in the insurrection. This clearly indicates the existence of Gyeonggi Province rebel forces during the Musin Rebellion. These Gyeonggi rebels were particularly concentrated in three areas within Suwon Dohobuw: Yangseong, Jinwi, and Yongin-hyeon. The local gentry (sajok) from these three areas formed the core, drawing in their relatives to participate in the rebellion, and also enlisted commoners (yangin) and slaves (nobi) from the surrounding areas. Among these Gyeonggi Province rebels, the most pivotal figure was Jeong Se-yun, a member of the sajok (gentry) from Yangseong-hyeon, who is presumed to be affiliated with the Sobuk faction. He served as the Vice Commander of the rebel army. Even earlier than Yi In-jwa, who was the Grand Commander of the rebel army, from as early as 1725 (the 1st year of King Yeongjo’s reign), Jeong Se-yun played a significant role in plotting the rebellion with radical members of the Soron faction, raising rebellion funds, and recruiting rebel soldiers nationwide. Furthermore, he spearheaded the Yangseong meeting that decided to capture Cheongju Fortress, and ultimately participated actively in the Battle of Cheongju Fortress, leading to its capture. Jeong Se-yun also led the Juksan unit when the troops, after the capture of Cheongju Fortress, divided into three forces to advance towards Hanyang (Seoul). Through this paper, by shedding new light on not only the previously unrevealed existence of a group of Gyeonggi Province rebels in the Musin Rebellion, but also the pivotal role of Gyeonggi rebels like Jeong Se-yun in the capture of Cheongju Fortress, the true nature of the Musin Rebellion could be further illuminated.