Heo Gyun was a prominent Korean politician and poet, novelist, scholar, and writer of the Joseon dynasty.
Background
Heo Gyun was born in the city of Gangneung to Heo Yeop and his second wife (known only by her surname Kim 김). Heo"s family was of the noble (yangban) class (his father had been mayor of Gangneung) and as such Heo Gyun was afforded a solid education and in 1594 passed the nation"s highest civil service examination
Career
He was also known by his pennames, Gyosan (교산 蛟山) and Seongso (성소 惺所). Heo Gyun"s sister Heo Nanseolheon was a poet. Under the strong influence of his tutor, Yi Dal 李達, Heo Gyun became a progressive and liberal thinker who dreamed of establishing a more progressive society by eliminating all bigoted and conservative elements in the social, literary, and political realms.
Heo went on to serve the government of Joseon in such positions as Minister of the Board of Punishment and State Councillor.
In the course of his political career he was exiled several times for involvement in political feuds and was ultimately executed on charges of treason during the reign of Prince Gwanghae. Heo is often credited as the author of the famous Korean story Tale of Hong Gildong, which in many ways reflects his progressive thinking, although his authorship has been disputed.
Portrayed by Kim Joo-young in 1986 television series The Hoechun Gate
Portrayed by Lee Dong-shin in 1988 television series Queen Inhyeon
Portrayed by Kim Dong-hyun in 1994 television series Iljimae
Portrayed by Kim Jong-kyul in 1995 television series West Palace
Portrayed by Choi Jae-sung in 2000 television series Roll of Thunder
Portrayed by Ryu Seung-ryong in 2012 film Masquerade and 2014 television series My Love from the Star.