Book VII 467(sŭng)^3 of the Office of Guest Affairs. In the Kyŏngja year (1360), he became
administrator of Chinju. In the autumn of the Chŏngmi year (1367), he was
appointed section chief of the Board of Punishments and went out to serve as
surveillance commissioner of Chŏlla Province. In the Musin year (1368), he
became deputy magistrate of Hwaryŏng, and in the Imja year (1372), magis-
trate of Suwŏn. In the Ŭlmyo year, he was appointed director of the Directorate
for Palace Maintenance, and in the Pyŏngjin year (1376), supervisor of the
Office of the Royal Household. At that time, Sin Wŏnjwa, surveillance com-
missioner of Yanggwang Province, repor ted on Ongnan’s benevolent admin-
istration based on the praises of the residents when he served as magistrate
of Suwŏn. As a result, Ongnan was appointed director of the Agriculture
Office and received the title of grand master for transmitting law (t’onghŏn
taebu). A little later, he received a more prestigious title, grand master for
service and support (pongik taebu) and went out to serve as magistrate of
Ch’ŏngju and, later in the Kyŏngsin year (1380), magistrate of Ch’ungju.
After his mother died, he observed the mourning rite, and after finishing
the mourning, he retired from public service for ten years until he became
minister of taxation in the Kyŏngo year (1390). A little later, he consecu-
tively served as minister of war and of personnel. In the Imsin year (1392),
the king ascended the throne, and he received the title of minor merit sub-
ject. In the Kyeyu year (1393), he was appointed commissioner- without-
portfolio of the Security Council because he was old. Now he has died of
illness at home, at the age of seventy- four. When the news of his death reached
the king, he was extremely saddened, saying, “I was going to appoint him
actual director of the Security Council. That is no longer possible.”
Ongnan was by nature strong and intelligent, and had a heart that was
kind and benevolent, so the people of his birthplace praised his filial nature
and brotherly love. Serving both in the capital and the provinces, he made
outstanding contributions. He always instructed his children, saying, “When
you serve the king, you must do your utmost, and when you are in public
service, you must exert yourself. You should be careful not to put your heart
on things such as chasing after power and increasing wealth.” His loyalty to
the king and concern for the nation never wavered in his old age.
He had two sons, Chungnyang and Kyeryang, both of whom passed the
civil service examination. Chungnyang rose to the rank of fifth royal secre-
tary, and Kyeryang is now vice director of the Office of Royal Decrees.
- Rank 6b.