Although Mokjong(穆宗), the seventh king of Goryeo, was on the throne for 12 years from 998 to 1009, he is not that well known to us because his actions were eclipsed by those of his mother, the empress dowager Cheonchu(千秋太后), and king Hyeonjong(顯宗 1009∼1031), who later took over his reign. Mokjong was enthroned at the age of 18, and began his governance under the influence of his mother Cheonchu. Her lover Kim Chi-yang rapidly emerged as an important political figure. In this study, it is attempted to escape from the previous trends of study which generally focused their attention upon Cheonchu, instead of other figures including Mokjong.
There were multiple political factions in action under his rule. Yu Haeng-gan and Yu Chung-jeong, labelled as cronies(‘chongsin[寵臣]’ or ‘chongae[寵愛]’), courted lady Han who perpetrated frauds under the name of being the one with the king"s love. Han In-gyeong and Kim Nak were related to her and were also close to the king, even to the extent of being called as favorites. There was also a group of civil officials that included Jo Ji-rin and high-level ministers who had exerted influence since the rule of king Seongjong. In other words, the era was not dominated by a small number of political figures led by Cheonchu or Kim Chi-yang.
During the first half of his reign, the political situation was stable with a balance of power reached between the king, empress dowager Cheonchu, and state officials from the days of Seongjong. In particular, empress dowager Cheonchu"s regency provided Mokjong with authority that stabilized the political arena. It can be said that Mokjong and Cheonchu pursued the establishment of regal power through "coexistence." Under the conditions, Kim Chi-yang was able to grow politically. However, Mokjong"s remarks regarding the establishment of a military camp in 1002 shows that as time passing by, tension between Mokjong and Kim Chi-yang were rising.
As a son was born from empress dowager Cheonchu and Kim Chi-yang in 1003, conflicts between Mokjong and Kim Chi-yang, who was attempting to gain power, were only deepened. Moreover, the bribery case of Han In-gyeong and Kim Nak (1007) which ousted Han In-gyeong weakened Mokjong"s position and forced him conduct politics with only a small number of people who were close to him. Under the circumstances, as Kim Chi-yang"s plot to have his son take over the reign became obvious, Mokjong seriously battled Cheonchu, which led to a coup (1009). In the end, the political upheaval ruined both the king and Cheonchu.