Hong Guk-yeong

Hong Guk-yeong, was a noted Korean scholar and politician of Joseon dynasty who first strongly supported King Jeongjo's accession and toiled to improve the king's power, but ended up being expelled because of his desire for power. He served the king in the closest proximity of all government officials and often enjoyed great power that was derived from the king's favor. Hong Guk-yeong and Han Myŏnghoe are some examples of chief royal secretaries who were the most powerful officials of their time.