Jeong Cheol (Songgang)

Jeong Cheol (1536-1594) was a scholar-official and poet of the mid-Joseon period, best known by his pen name Songgang. He is regarded as a leading figure of Korean gasa poetry, leaving behind celebrated works such as "Gwandong byeolgok" and "Samiingok." After passing the civil service examination in 1562, he rose to the post of Left State Councillor, and as a leader of the Westerners faction he wielded considerable influence in the era's factional politics.