Sin Sung-gyŏm

Sin Sung-gyŏm (882 – October 927) was a Korean general during the turbulent Later Three Kingdoms period in the early 10th century. Born in Gwanghaeju (present-day Chuncheon), he became a general in the kingdom of Taebong. He was instrumental in helping Wang Kŏn, who later founded the state of Goryeo to achieve power. He is widely viewed as the founder of the Pyongsan Shin clan, which includes the famous actress Shin Se-kyung.

Sin is remembered today for giving his life for Wang Kŏn in the aftermath of a rout of their forces by Later Baekje near present-day Daegu. According to the legend, the two exchanged armor so that the king would be able to escape the battlefield. While Wang Kŏn escaped the battlefield, Sin and the remaining army fought bravely against the Later Baekje army. But eventually his army was routed and in the woods Sin was shot with arrows and was killed by the enemy. He was beheaded and his head was sent to Kyŏn Hwŏn, King of Later Baekje.

Through his only son, Sin became the 16th great-grandfather of Shin Saimdang and the 17th great-grandfather of Sin Rip.

Family

 * Father - name unknown (845 – ?)
 * Mother - name unknown (845 – ?)
 * Sibling(s)
 * Older brother - Sin Nŭng-gil (872 – ?)
 * Wives and their issue
 * Lady Kim (869 – ?)
 * Daughter - Lady Sin of the Pyongsan Sin clan (896 – ?)
 * Daughter - Lady Sin of the Pyongsan Sin clan (900 – ?)
 * Son - Sin Po-jang (903 – ?)
 * Daughter - Lady Sin of the Pyongsan Sin clan (913 – ?)
 * Lady Yu of the Munhwa Yu clan (912 – ?) - No issue.

Cultural references

 * First Love (1996–1997)
 * Taejo Wang Geon (2000–2002), portrayed by Kim Hyung-il
 * Thousand Days Unofficial History - Episode 73 (ko) (2018)
 * Taejo Wang Geon (2022)