Yi Ŭimin

Yi Ŭimin (Korean: 이의민; Hanja: 李義旼; died 7 May 1196) was a powerful military dictator during the late Goryeo period who dominated the Goryeo government prior to the Mongol Invasions. When his rival, Commander Kyŏng Taesŭng, died, Yi Ŭimin rose to power in the Council of Generals as Supreme General and tongjungsŏ munha p'yŏngjangsa p'an pyŏngbu sa. He rose from a humble background to wield power for 12 years (1184–1196) during the early phase of the Goryeo Military Regime. Known for his physical strength and ruthlessness, he played key roles in quelling rebellions and consolidating military rule, but was eventually assassinated by Ch'oe Ch'unghŏn, marking the end of his regime and the beginning of the Choe military dictatorship.