Kyŏng Taesŭng

Kyŏng Taesŭng (Korean: 경대승; Hanja: 慶大升; 1154 – 4 August 1183 was a military official of the mid-Goryeo period who lived from 1154 (the 8th year of King Uijong's reign) to 1183 (the 13th year of King Myeongjong's reign). He became the third dictator of the Goryeo military regime that emerged after the 1170 military coup. At the age of 26, in 1179 (the 9th year of King Myeongjong), he removed the then-powerful Chŏng Chungbu and seized control, ruling for about four years. His rule is often seen as distinct from those of other military rulers before and after him. Unlike other military leaders—Yi Ŭibang, Chŏng Chungbu, Yi Ŭimin, the Ch'oe family rulers, and the final military leaders Kim Chun and Im Yŏn — who appear in the "Rebels" section of the Goryeosa (History of Goryeo), Kyŏng Taesŭng's biography appears in the general biographical section, showing a more favorable evaluation.