Ch'oe Ch'unghŏn

Ch'oe Ch'unghŏn was a military ruler of Korea during the Goryeo period. After overthrowing the previous military ruler, Yi Ŭimin, Ch'oe consolidated his power through purges and presented reform measures known as 'Bongsa Sipjo' (封事十條). To maintain control, he created a dual administration, with private government institutions and private military forces answering directly to him, while maintaining the government structures of the old dynastic regime and limiting its authority. His power was so immense that he replaced four kings and established a power base that maintained the Ch'oe family's military regime for over 60 years.