Gu Sa-maeng

Gu Sa-maeng (1531–1604) was a 16th century Korean nobleman, military officer and minister. He was the father of Queen Inheon and the maternal grandfather of Injo of Joseon.

Biography
In 1549 (4th year of King Myeongjong), Gu Sa-maeng was appointed as Jinsa. In 1558, at 27 years old he passed the national examination as a military officer and worked in Seungmunwon as an inspector.

In 1560, he become a general and three years later, he went to the Ming Dynasty as the secretary of Saeun Temple. He spent the following years as Ijojwarang and Ijojeongnang.

In 1567 after King Myeongjong's death, Gu become Binjeondogamjejo. Two years later, in 1569 (2nd year of King Seonjo's reign), he was appointed as the Governor of Hwanghae Province.

In 1587, one of his youngest daughters married Grand Prince Jeongwon, the son of King Seonjo, and became the mother to three sons; one of them becoming the future king.

From then on, he started to serve in numerous government posts in the central and local areas during the reign of Seonjo of Joseon. Meanwhile, during the Imjin War, in 1597 (30th year of King Seonjo's reign), Gu served some of the Royal Princes. At this time, he was a Right Chamchan (2nd senior rank; 우참찬, 右參贊).

Gu Sa-maeng died on April 1, 1604 (37th year of King Seonjo's reign), at the age of 74 years old due to the relapse of his chronic disease, which had plagued him since he was working in the Uigeumbu.

After his grandson ascended the throne as King Injo, along with posthumously honouring his parents as King and Queen, he also honoured his maternal grandfather as Internal Prince Neungan.

It was said that in Gu's eulogy, it was written that he was a simple and quiet man by nature, and also liked frugality. So he didn't own land or a house, but only enjoyed his coat of arms ("천성이 담백하고 조용하였으며, 검소한 것을 좋아하여 땅이나 집을 장만하지 않고 오로지 문장을 즐겼다.").

His tomb is located in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, along with his two wives, Lady Han and Lady Shin.

Books
There are two books written by Gu Sa-maeng:
 * Yuhuichun
 * Yihwang

Family
Sibling(s) Wives and their issue:
 * Father - Gu Sun (구순, 具淳/具諄; 1507–1551)
 * Uncle - Gu Jun
 * Mother - Lady Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan
 * Older brother - Gu Sa-an (구사안, 具思顔; 1523–1562)
 * Internal Princess Consort Seowon of the Cheongju Han clan – No issue.
 * Internal Princess Consort Pyeongsan of the Pyeongsan Shin clan (평산부부인 평산 신씨; 1538–1622)
 * Son – Gu Seong (1558–1618)
 * Daughter-in-law – Lady Jeong
 * Grandson – Gu In-gi
 * Grandson – Gu In-hu, Internal Prince Neungcheon (1578–1658); became the adoptive son of Gu Hong
 * Grandson – Gu In-hak
 * Granddaughter - Lady Gu
 * Granddaughter – Lady Gu
 * Granddaughter – Lady Gu
 * Son – Gu Hong
 * Son - Gu Yong (1569–1601)
 * Grandson – Gu In-jong
 * Granddaughter – Lady Gu
 * Grandson-in-law - Kim Shin
 * Daughter – Lady Gu
 * Daughter – Lady Gu
 * Daughter – Lady Gu
 * Daughter – Lady Gu
 * Son – Gu Gwing (1577–1562)
 * Grandson – Gu In-gi (1597–1676)
 * Granddaughter – Lady Gu
 * Grandson-in-law - Lee Ip-shin
 * Granddaughter – Lady Gu
 * Grandson-in-law - Yu Gu (유구, 柳䪷)
 * Daughter - Queen Inheon of the Neungseong Gu clan (23 May 1578 – 10 February 1626)
 * Son-in-law - Wonjong of Joseon (2 August 1580 – 2 February 1620)
 * Grandson - Yi Jong, King Injo (7 December 1595 – 17 June 1649)
 * Grandson - Yi Bo, Grand Prince Neungwon (15 May 1598 – 26 January 1656)
 * Grandson - Yi Jeon, Grand Prince Neungchang (16 July 1599 – 17 November 1615)
 * Daughter - Lady Gu