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Gimhae Kim Clan: The Sagunpa Branch (金海金氏 四君派)
A Prestigious Lineage Upholding a Legacy of Loyalty and Filial Piety
The Gimhae Kim clan is one of the oldest and most prominent families in Korea,
tracing its ancestry to King Suro, the founder of the ancient Gaya Confederacy (Garakguk).
With a history as rich as its lineage, the clan has produced countless
distinguished individuals. Among its many branches, the Sagunpa (四君派)
stands out as a particularly renowned lineage, celebrated for producing
exceptional figures who embodied both civil integrity and military valor.
The Origin of the "Sagunpa" Name
The Sagunpa branch was founded by Kim Ik-gyeong (金益卿), who
served as a government official (Gammu) during the Goryeo Dynasty. The name
"Sagunpa" literally translates to the "Four Lords Branch" or "Four Princes
Branch." It was bestowed upon the lineage because, over four successive
generations, four of Kim Ik-gyeong's descendants rendered distinguished service
to the nation and were ennobled with the title of "Gun" (君), a high honor
reserved for meritorious subjects or royalty.
The four celebrated lords are:
Hakcheon-gun (鶴川君), Kim Geuk-jo (金克祧)
Hakseong-gun (鶴城君), Kim Wan (金完)
Haeseong-gun (海城君), Kim Yeo-su (金汝水)
Hakrim-gun (鶴林君), Kim Se-gi (金世器)
For a single family to produce four "Gun" over four consecutive generations was
exceptionally rare during the Joseon Dynasty, signifying the immense
contributions the Sagunpa branch made to the kingdom.
Key Figures and Enduring Spirit
The Sagunpa branch is distinguished by its history of producing both steadfast
loyalists who upheld their principles and valiant military generals who achieved
great feats on the battlefield.
A leading scholar and loyal subject of the late Goryeo Dynasty, Kim Jin-mun
(金振門) chose to live in seclusion in a place called Dumun-dong
rather than serve a new dynasty when Joseon was founded. His unwavering
integrity and loyalty to the fallen Goryeo kingdom became a profound moral
legacy for his descendants.
During times of national crisis, such as the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of
Korea) and the Yi Gwal Rebellion, General Kim Wan (金完),
who held the title Hakseong-gun, displayed extraordinary military prowess and
played a pivotal role in defending the nation. His bravery and unwavering
loyalty are considered emblematic of the Sagunpa spirit.
Inheriting the pride of their royal ancestry from the Gaya Confederacy, the
members of the Gimhae Kim clan's Sagunpa branch have established loyalty
(忠, Chung) and filial piety (孝, Hyo)
as their foremost family virtues. Throughout the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties,
they consistently dedicated themselves to the nation in its times of need.
Today, their descendants continue to honor this distinguished heritage,
contributing to society in various fields and upholding the proud tradition of
their noble lineage.