[팩 한국사 202회] 김준 62년 최씨 무신정권을 무너뜨리다 feat 태자의 절망

The military regime, which had been ruled by Choi U and Choi Hang, passed power to his son, Choi Ui, when Choi Hang became ill (1257). The military leaders had been quite disappointed with Choi Hang, who had failed to resist the relentless Mongol invasions. Now, Choi Ui was even more incompetent and young, and General Kim Jun, a former slave, felt this was not going to work out. [Kim Jun's original name was Kim In-jun (仁俊). His father, Kim Yun-seong (金允成), was originally a lowly servant. He betrayed his master, dedicated himself to Choi Chung-heon, and lived as a servant. During their time together, he fathered Kim Jun and Kim Seung-jun (金承俊). Kim Jun possessed a dignified demeanor, was naturally generous, and was respectful to both superiors and inferiors. He was also skilled in archery and enjoyed giving, winning the hearts of many. He spent his days socializing with and drinking with the sons of courageous young men, and thus, his family had no wealth. One day, a Taoist priest, a sorcerer, observed him and said, "This man will surely seize power and seize the entire nation." (Quoted from the Goryeo History, Kim Jun-jeon) He gained Choi Woo's trust and was appointed Jeonjeonseungji (Jeonjeon Seungji). However, he was caught having an affair with Choi Woo's concubine, Ansim, and was given fifty lashes and exiled. He returned several years later to help Choi Hang become the successor. However, when Choi Woo shunned him, their relationship grew suspicious and was no longer the same. Perhaps it was only natural for him to estrange himself from a subordinate who had an affair with his wife. The military regime was weakened, unable to maintain its unity as before. Furthermore, Kim Jun was displeased with the death of Choi Hang and the rise of the young Choi Ui. His relationship with Choi Ui deteriorated beyond repair when Song Gil-yu, the general who had recommended him, was exiled for corruption (January 1258). Then, one day... Kim Jun summoned Im Yeon, his adopted son, and secretly consulted him. "The Mongols are growing in power, while our military power is dwindling by the day. Choi Hang was a poor man, let alone Choi Ui... This cannot continue. If it is for the sake of the country, we must make a decision." "What kind of decision do you mean?"