Tae Choyŏng or Dae Joyoung/Dae Joyeong (), also rendered as Da Zuorong () in Chinese, was the first king of Parhae that reigned from 699 to 719.

He is more commonly known as King Ko/King Go () in Korea, and as King Gao () in China.

Life

Early life

Tae Choyŏng was the first son of general Tae Chungsang, who was also known as "Sarigŏlgŏljungsang ()" or "Taegŏlgŏljungsang ()".

Historical sources give different accounts of Tae Choyŏng's ethnicity and background. Among the official dynastic history works, the New Book of Tang refers to Tae Choyŏng and his state as Sumo Mohe (related to Jurchens and later Manchus) affiliated with Goguryeo. The Old Book of Tang also states Tae's ethnic background as Mohe but adds that he was "高麗別種" (gaoli biezhong). The term is interpreted as meaning "a branch of the Goguryeo people" by South and North Korean historians, but as "distinct from Goguryeo" by Japanese and Chinese researchers.

The Samguk yusa, a 13th-century collection of Korean history and legends, describes Tae as a Sumo Mohe leader. However, it gives another account of Tae being a former Goguryeo general, citing a now-lost Sillan record. Alexander Kim considers this unlikely since Goguryeo fell in 668 while Tae died in 719, and young men could not receive the rank of general. Historian Richard McBride states that Tae was most likely an "ethnic Malgal/Mohe fully assimilated to Goguryeo culture, and thus able to rally support from both the remaining Goguryeo nobles and Malgal tribespeople."

King of Chin (Zhen) and Parhae

The Tang killed Kŏlsa Piu, and Tae Chungsang also died. Tae Choyŏng integrated the armies of Goguryeo people and some Mohe (Malgal) tribes and resisted Tang attack. His victory over the Tang at the Battle of Tianmenling enabled him to expand his father's empire and claimed himself the King of Chin (Zhen) in 698. He established his capital at Dongmo Mountain in the south of today's Jilin province, and built a fortress, which was to become Zhen (Chin) kingdom's capital.

He attempted to expand his influence in foreign politics involving the Tang/Wu Zhou, the Göktürks, the Khitan, Silla and some independent Mohe tribes. At first he dispatched an envoy to the Göktürks, allying against Tang/Wu Zhou. Then he reconciled himself with the Tang when Emperor Zhongzong was restored to the throne. Tae Choyŏng was given the posthumous name "King Ko."

Legacy

right|thumb|250px|ROK navy warship, [[ROKS Dae Jo-yeong|Dae Jo-yeong in San Diego, USA.]]

After the fall of Parhae, Tae Kwanghyŏn, the last prince led many of the Parhae aristocracy into the Korean state, thus unifying the two successor states of Goguryeo. Tae Choyŏng's descendants include modern-day Koreans who bear the surname Tae, or Dae.

In South Korea, a television drama on KBS1 was launched since September 2006 in his honor. Roughly 30% (based on 2007 survey) of the South Korean viewers enjoyed this program..

The third Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin class destroyer commissioned by the Republic of Korea Navy is named Tae Choyŏng. KDX-II class destroyers are named after significant figures in Korean history such as admiral Yi Sun-sin.

The Chunbun Ancestral Rite is held annually in Parhae Village, North Gyeongsang Province in order to commemorate the achievements of Tae Choyŏng. The Gyeongsan City mayor participates in the event, which is open for public participation.

  • Portrayed by Choi Soo-jong in the 2006–2007 KBS TV series Dae Jo-yeong.

See also

  • Rulers of Korea

References

Bibliography

  • Portrait of Tae Joyoung (Korean)