1. Overview
Wang Cha-ji (왕자지Wang JajiKorean; 1066 - 30 March 1122) was a prominent Goryeo official, general, diplomat, and musician, active from the late 11th to early 12th century. He served in various high-ranking government positions, including Minister of Personnel and Associate Commissioner of the Security Council. A key figure in Goryeo's military, he participated in campaigns against the Jurchens alongside generals Yun Kwan and Oh Yeon-chong. Beyond his political and military career, Wang Cha-ji made significant cultural contributions by introducing `대성아악Daeseong-agakKorean`, a form of ritual music, from the Song dynasty to Goryeo, which later became the foundation for `문묘제례악Munmyo JeryeakKorean` (Confucian Ritual Music). His life was marked by both significant achievements and posthumous controversy regarding his legacy.
2. Life
Wang Cha-ji's life and career spanned various roles as a politician, general, diplomat, and musician, contributing significantly to Goryeo's administration, military, and cultural landscape.
2.1. Birth and Family
Wang Cha-ji was born in 1066 in Gaegyeong, the capital of Goryeo. His courtesy name was `원장WonjangKorean`, his childhood name was `소중SojungKorean`, and his posthumous name was `장순JangsunKorean`. His family originated from Haeju. The family's original surname was Pak, but his great-grandfather, Pak Yu, changed it to Wang. Pak Yu, who served as `원외WonoeKorean` and `동궁기실DonggunggishilKorean` during the Taebong period, became disillusioned with Gung Ye's chaotic rule and went into seclusion. In 918, he met Wang Geon, served in various important posts, and was granted the surname Wang for his contributions. In 932, during the 15th year of King Taejo's reign, Pak Yu became `대상DaesangKorean` and was dispatched to the Later Tang dynasty of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period in China. He successfully requested that King Taejo be enfeoffed as the King of Goryeo and Queen Yu as the Lady of Hadong-gun, bringing back the official enfeoffment document. He later became the progenitor of the Haeju Wang clan. There is also a theory that Wang Yu was originally from Shandong Province, China. Records regarding Wang Cha-ji's parents, siblings, and early childhood are largely unknown. His elder sister was married to Wang Kuk-mo, a prominent figure in Goryeo politics. When Wang Kuk-mo died, his children were young, and Wang Cha-ji, as his brother-in-law, assumed the role of chief mourner. Wang Cha-ji's wife was Lady Kim of Hwangnyeo-gunbuin, though her specific clan, whether Gyeongju Kim or Yeoju Kim, remains uncertain. Her father was Kim Jeong-ji, who held the title of `검교태자소사Geomgyo Taeja SosaKorean`. Her grandfather was Kim Ja-hwa, `검교태사 장작감Geomgyo Taesa JangjakgamKorean`, and her great-grandfather was Kim Gyeong-ryeom, `검교사공 상서우복야Geomgyo Sagong Sangseo UbokyaKorean`.
2.2. Early Career and Official Posts
Wang Cha-ji entered government service through the `음서eumseoKorean` system, which allowed descendants of high-ranking officials to gain appointments without civil service examinations. He began his career as a `서리seoriKorean` (minor official) and held various initial positions. He played a significant role in the political landscape by assisting his brother-in-law, Wang Kuk-mo, in a military coup that led to the killing of Yi Ja-ui. During this event, Wang Cha-ji was responsible for guarding the palace gates. His successful cooperation with Wang Kuk-mo led to his appointment as `도교령DoogyoryeongKorean` and subsequent promotion to more important positions. During the reign of King Sukjong, he was appointed as a `내시naesiKorean` (palace attendant). In Goryeo, the `naesi` were not eunuchs, but rather young, promising officials who served close to the king. He later advanced to `전중시어사Jeonjung SijeonsaKorean`.
2.3. Military Activities and Jurchen Campaigns
Wang Cha-ji was a key military figure, particularly known for his involvement in the campaigns against the Jurchens in the northern regions. In 1108, during the third year of King Yejong's reign, he was appointed `병마판관Byeongma PanggwanKorean` (Military Affairs Judge) and served as a deputy to the Grand Commander, Yun Kwan. He participated in expeditions to subjugate the Jurchens alongside Yun Kwan and Oh Yeon-chong. In January 1108, while serving as `권지승선Gwonji SeungseonKorean` (Provisional Seungseon), he led troops to `공험성GongheomseongKorean` (present-day Hoeryeong, North Hamgyeong Province). There, his forces were ambushed by Jurchen chieftain `사현SahyeonKorean` and suffered a defeat, during which Wang Cha-ji lost his horse and was in danger. However, Cheok Jun-gyeong swiftly arrived with agile troops, rescued him, defeated the enemy, and retrieved Wang Cha-ji's horse, along with an armored Jurchen horse. This incident fostered a close relationship between Wang Cha-ji and Cheok Jun-gyeong. In September 1108, as `행영병마판관Haengyeong Byeongma PanggwanKorean` (Acting Military Affairs Judge), he again joined Cheok Jun-gyeong in attacking the Jurchens at `사지령SajiryeongKorean`, where they beheaded 27 enemies and captured three. In August of the same year, Cheok Jun-gyeong, under Wang Cha-ji's command, beheaded 33 Jurchen soldiers in Hamju and Yeongju. As Jurchen resistance continued, Oh Yeon-chong led another expedition, with Wang Cha-ji serving as his deputy. Under Oh Yeon-chong's command, Wang Cha-ji, along with Mun Gwan and Kim Jun, led 10 thousand elite troops, advancing by both land and water in four divisions. They engaged the Jurchens at `오음지령OeumjiryeongKorean` and `사오령SaoryeongKorean`. Wang Cha-ji repeatedly assisted Yun Kwan and others in successful campaigns against the Jurchens. In March 1109, he was appointed `동계행영병마별감Donggyaehaengyeong ByeongmabyeolgamKorean` (Military Inspector of the Eastern Border Region) along with `임언Im EonKorean`.
2.4. Diplomatic Missions and Cultural Contributions
Wang Cha-ji's career extended beyond military and administrative roles into significant diplomatic and cultural contributions. He held various official posts, including `전중소감Jeonjung SogamKorean` (Deputy Director of the Palace Directorate), `전중감Jeonjung GamKorean` (Director of the Palace Directorate), `예빈시경Yebinsi GyeongKorean` (Director of the Office of Guest Affairs), and `추밀원지주사Chumirwon JijusaKorean` (Administrator of Memorials of the Security Council). In February 1112, he served as `이부시랑추밀원좌승선Ibu Sirang Chumirwon JwaseungseonKorean` (Minister of Personnel and Left Seungseon of the Security Council). By December 1113, he was `Yebinsi Gyeong` concurrently with `Chumirwon Jijusa`. In June 1114, he was dispatched to Kaifeng, the capital of the Song dynasty in China, along with `문공언Mun Gong-eonKorean`, a `호부낭중HobunangjungKorean` (Director of the Ministry of Revenue). In 1115, he was appointed `이부상서Ibu SangseoKorean` (Minister of Personnel). In April of the same year, he was again sent to Kaifeng as a `사은 겸 진봉사Sa'eun Gyeom JinbongsaKorean` (Envoy for Expressing Gratitude and Presenting Tributes) with Mun Gong-eon, returning to Goryeo in June. His most notable cultural contribution occurred in June 1116, when he was appointed `하례사HaryesaKorean` (Envoy for Congratulatory Affairs) and traveled to Song China with `문공미Mun Gong-miKorean`. During this mission, he received `대성아악Daeseong-agakKorean` (Great Sung Court Music) from Emperor Huizong of Song and introduced it to Goryeo. This introduction was a pivotal moment in Korean music history, as Daeseong-agak became the foundation for `문묘제례악Munmyo JeryeakKorean` (Confucian Ritual Music), which is still performed today.
2.5. Later Career and Official Positions
Wang Cha-ji continued to rise through the ranks of the Goryeo government in his later career. On February 20, 1117, he was appointed `좌산기상시Jwasan'gi SangsiKorean` (Left Policy Advisor) and `동지추밀원사Tongji ChumirwonsaKorean` (Associate Commissioner of the Security Council). In December of the same year, he became `병부상서 겸 지추밀원사Byeongbu Sangseo Gyeom JichumirwonsaKorean` (Minister of Military Affairs and Commissioner of the Security Council). In 1118, he served as `동북면병마사 겸 지행영병마사Dongbukmyeon Byeongmasa Gyeom Jihaengyeong ByeongmasaKorean` (Military Commander of the Northeast Region and Commissioner of the Provisional Military Headquarters), before returning to internal government positions. In 1119, he was appointed `추밀원사 겸 판삼사사Chumirwonsa Gyeom PansamsasaKorean` (Commissioner of the Security Council and Administrator of the Three Bureaus). During his tenure as `Chumirwonsa`, an incident occurred during the `팔관회PalgwanhoeKorean` (Eight Vows Festival) preparations. The fruit table prepared by the Security Council was deemed excessively luxurious by the `대관daegwanKorean` (Censorate officials), who arrested the `별가ByeolgaKorean` (official in charge). Wang Cha-ji, along with `한안인Han An-inKorean`, reportedly became enraged while intoxicated, demanding the release of the `Byeolga`, but the Censorate officials refused, causing a public stir. In 1120, he oversaw the placement of Buddha's relics, teeth, and skull fragments, which were sent as gifts in a golden casket by the Song Emperor, first at `외제석원OejeseokwonKorean` and then at `산호정SanhojeongKorean`. He later served as `호부상서HobusangseoKorean` (Minister of Revenue). In March 1122, he became `Ibu Sangseo` (Minister of Personnel) and subsequently `참지정사 판호부사Chamjijeongsa PanhobusaKorean` (Assistant Executive in Political Affairs and Administrator of the Ministry of Revenue).
3. Personal Life
Wang Cha-ji's personal life was intertwined with the powerful families of Goryeo. His wife was Lady Kim of Hwangnyeo-gunbuin, born in 1063 and passing away on July 10, 1130. While some sources suggest she belonged to the Gyeongju Kim clan, others point to the Yeoju Kim clan, with her precise lineage remaining uncertain. Her father was Kim Jeong-ji, who held the title of `Geomgyo Taeja Sosa`. Her grandfather was Kim Ja-hwa, `Geomgyo Taesa Jangjakgam`, and her great-grandfather was Kim Gyeong-ryeom, `Geomgyo Sagong Sangseo Ubokya`. Wang Cha-ji had a son named `왕의Wang UiKorean`, who married Lady Seo, the daughter of Seo Gyun, who served as `판장작감사PanjangjakgamsaKorean`. He also had a daughter, a member of the Haeju Wang clan, who married `이공의Yi Gong-uiKorean`, the second son of the influential and powerful courtier Yi Ja-gyeom. Yi Gong-ui served as `위위시경Wiwi SigyeongKorean` and `형부시랑Hyeongbu SirangKorean`. This marriage made Wang Cha-ji an in-law to Yi Ja-gyeom, who was the father of Queen Inye, King Yejong's consort, and the father of King Injong's first and second consorts, the deposed Queens Yi. Thus, Wang Cha-ji's daughter became the sister-in-law of King Yejong's consort and the paternal aunt of King Injong's maternal relatives. When Yi Ja-gyeom later staged a rebellion and failed, Yi Gong-ui was exiled. Wang Cha-ji's elder sister was married to `왕국모Wang Kuk-moKorean` of the Gaeseong Wang clan, a prominent figure who died in 1095. According to the `Goryeosa`, when Wang Kuk-mo died, his children were young, and Wang Cha-ji, as his brother-in-law, wore mourning clothes on their behalf.
| Relationship | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Great-grandfather | Wang Yu | Progenitor of the Haeju Wang clan |
| Brother-in-law | Wang Kuk-mo | Married to Wang Cha-ji's elder sister |
| Wife | Hwangnyeo-gunbuin Lady Kim (황려군부인 김씨Hwangnyeo-gunbuin GimssiKorean) | Daughter of Kim Jeong-ji |
| Son | Wang Ui (왕의Wang UiKorean) | Married Lady Seo |
| Daughter | Haeju Wang clan (해주 왕씨Haeju WangssiKorean) | Married Yi Gong-ui |
| Son-in-law | Yi Gong-ui (이공의Yi Gong-uiKorean) | Second son of Yi Ja-gyeom |
4. Death and Posthumous Evaluation
Wang Cha-ji passed away on March 30, 1122, in Gaegyeong, while serving as `Chamjijeongsa`. He was 56 or 57 years old at the time of his death. King Yejong expressed deep sorrow at his death, suspending court sessions for three days and providing funeral expenses. Although his tomb is not recorded in the `Goryeosa` or `Goryeosajeoryo`, his wife's epitaph states that he was buried in Seosan, Segok, Imgang-hyeon, Gyeonggi Province. His wife, who died in 1130, was later buried north of his tomb. Following his death, Wang Cha-ji was initially enshrined in King Yejong's `묘정myeojeongKorean` (ancestral temple). However, later, `간관gan'gwanKorean` (Censorate officials) repeatedly submitted memorials arguing that while he had military achievements, he had neither effectively advised the king nor brought benefits to the common people. Consequently, his enshrinement in the royal ancestral temple was revoked, and he was removed from the shrine. Despite this, his posthumous name, `Jangsun`, remained. In contrast to the criticisms regarding his political contributions, Wang Cha-ji's role in introducing `Daeseong-agak` to Goryeo was highly praised throughout the Joseon Dynasty. This musical tradition, which became the origin of `Munmyo Jeryeak` (Confucian Ritual Music performed at the Munmyo, the Confucian shrine), was considered a significant cultural legacy.
5. Related Topics
- Yun Kwan: A prominent Goryeo general under whom Wang Cha-ji served in campaigns against the Jurchens.
- Oh Yeon-chong: Another Goryeo general who led campaigns against the Jurchens, with Wang Cha-ji serving as his deputy.
- Cheok Jun-gyeong: A Goryeo military officer renowned for his bravery, who fought alongside Wang Cha-ji in Jurchen campaigns and once saved his life.
- Yi Ja-gyeom: A powerful Goryeo courtier and maternal grandfather of King Injong, who was Wang Cha-ji's in-law through his daughter's marriage to Yi Ja-gyeom's son.
- Yi Ja-gyeom's Rebellion: A major political upheaval in Goryeo led by Yi Ja-gyeom, which impacted Wang Cha-ji's family.
- Daeseong-agak: A form of ritual court music introduced to Goryeo by Wang Cha-ji from the Song dynasty.
- Munmyo Jeryeak: The Confucian ritual music of Korea, which originated from the Daeseong-agak introduced by Wang Cha-ji.
- Jongmyo Jeryeak: The royal ancestral ritual music of Korea, distinct from Munmyo Jeryeak but part of the broader `아악aakKorean` (court music) tradition.
- Jangakwon: The government office responsible for court music in Goryeo and Joseon.
- Yejong of Goryeo: The 16th monarch of Goryeo, under whose reign Wang Cha-ji served in many high-ranking positions.
- Wang Kuk-mo: Wang Cha-ji's brother-in-law, a key figure in a military coup.
- Goryeo-Jurchen War: The series of conflicts in which Wang Cha-ji played a significant military role.
- Dongbuk 9 seong: The nine fortresses established by Yun Kwan's forces in the Jurchen territory, a result of the campaigns Wang Cha-ji participated in.
- Eumseo system: A system of hereditary appointments in Goryeo, through which Wang Cha-ji entered government service.
- Naesi: A term for palace attendants in Goryeo, who were not eunuchs but promising young officials.