Choe Chung-heon

Choe Chung-heon (Korean: 최충헌; 1149 – 29 October 1219) was a military ruler of Korea during the Goryeo period.

Choe's father was a Supreme General in the Goryeo military, hence precipitating his own entry into the military. Choe witnessed military men become all-powerful in the quick succession of military leaders who deposed one another.

Choe plotted against the long-standing Council of Generals (Jungbang), feigning fealty to the newly promoted supreme general and council head, a slave's son, Yi Ui-min. After many years of humiliation and hardship, Choe and his subordinates launched a coup d'état while Yi was away. After destroying the Council of Generals and killing Yi, he became a prominent leader. Choe established a new military-style regime that he did not have full power over but was eventually successful.

Although the coup was a success, Choe did not take full power. Choe became Prime Minister of the State and Royal Protector, seeing the abdication of 4 kings (asked for 2 of the 4), 3 rebellions, and numerous attempts on his life. Finally, during the early reign of King Gojong, Choe retired, handing his position to his eldest son Choe U (though not without bloodshed as his youngest attempted to take it for himself). Choe Chungheon died of age at 71 in 1219.

Until the death of Choe's grandsons, the Choe family reigned supreme over the political and military landscape of Goryeo. Choe U, Choe Hang, and Choe Ui passed the legacy of Choe Chung-heon for sixty years until the assassination of Choe Ui.