고려 말 공민왕~우왕 대 신흥유신 세력의 추이와 정치활동 = The Transformation and Political Activities of the Neo-Confucian Literati in Late Goryeo: From King Gongmin to King U

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This study investigates the transformation and political engagements of the Neo-Confucian literati (Sinheung Yushin) from the 16th year of King Gongmin’s reign to the reign of King U during the late Goryeo dynasty. The study reveals that a significant division emerged between those literati affiliated with Seonggyungwan and those who were not, especially following the 1367 restoration of the institution. Led by Yi Saek, the Seonggyungwan-based scholars formed a cohesive political group that actively cooperated with the king's reformist policies and came to hold prominent influence. In contrast, other literati took a more critical stance toward the monarchy or Shin Don’s political conduct, displaying different perspectives and actions. After King Gongmin’s assassination and King U’s enthronement, the political landscape shifted under Yi In-im’s dominance. In response to the 1375 Yuan court's appointment of Toγto-Buqa[脫脫不花] the Seonggyungwan scholars, including Jeong Mong-ju, Jeong Do-jeon, and others, collectively rejected Yuan intervention and defended the diplomatic legacy of King Gongmin. This resistance led to harsh suppression, resulting in the political decline of the Neo-Confucian literati. From 1376 onward, some were reinstated, and while their collective voice diminished, they continued participating in state affairs. These scholars proposed reform measures grounded in Confucian governance principles and called on the monarch to cultivate personal virtue and assume direct rule. Their political ideals, though unrealized under King U, later resurfaced in new forms as the Goryeo political structure underwent major realignments and the Neo-Confucian literati themselves experienced internal fragmentation following the Wihwado Retreat.