![[History Lives On – Gojoseon] Episode 10: Wiman’s Coup – A Turning Point in Political History](https://thekoreantoday.com/gangnam/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/10/featured-image-111.png "[History Lives On – Gojoseon] Episode 10: Wiman’s Coup – A Turning Point in Political History")
In 2025, coups still make headlines. Military forces seize power, legitimate governments fall. But what if we told you that the archetype of such political upheaval can be traced back 2,200 years to ancient Gojoseon on the Korean Peninsula?
In 194 BCE, Korea’s first recorded coup d’état took place. Wiman, a refugee from the fallen Yan state in China, led a thousand followers to overthrow King Jun of Gojoseon. This wasn’t merely a change of regime—it was a seismic shift that would reshape the geopolitical landscape of East Asia for generations to come. For international readers unfamiliar with Korean history, Gojoseon (meaning “Ancient Joseon”) was Korea’s first kingdom, established according to tradition in 2333 BCE, making it one of the world’s oldest continuous civilizations alongside ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
Who was Wiman? Was he a Chinese invader or a reformer who inherited Gojoseon’s legacy? Why did King Jun open his gates, and how was he betrayed? And what lasting impact did this coup have on Korean history? Today, we unravel the dramatic story of ambition, deception, and political transformation that changed the course of an ancient kingdom. This episode explores not just the mechanics of ancient political intrigue, but also raises timeless questions about legitimacy, identity, and the complex relationship between blood lineage and effective governance—questions still relevant in modern democracies worldwide.
◆ The Ancient Landscape
In 206 BCE, the Qin Dynasty fell and the Han Dynasty rose in China. But the joy of unification quickly turned to bloodshed as Liu Bang, the founding emperor, systematically eliminated his former allies. In 195 BCE, when King Lu Wan of Yan realized he was next on the purge list, he fled to the Xiongnu nomads in the north. The Yan territory descended into chaos almost overnight.
During this turmoil, King Jun of Gojoseon watched anxiously from his western border. His grandfather, King Bu, had already lost 2,000 li of western territory to the Qin general Qin Kai’s invasion and witnessed the construction of the Great Wall by Qin Shi Huang. Now Qin had fallen, but a more powerful Han Dynasty had taken its place. Across the border, waves of refugees were flooding in. King Jun, in a humanitarian gesture, allowed them to settle in his western frontier. It was a compassionate decision that would prove fatal.
“When the Yan King Lu Wan rebelled and entered the Xiongnu, Wiman, a man of Yan, fled. Gathering over a thousand followers, he went east, crossed the pass, forded the Pae River, and settled in the old empty lands of Qin at Shangxiachang. Gradually he brought under his control the barbarians of Zhenpan and Joseon, and the fugitives from the old states of Yan, Qi, and Zhao, and made himself king.”
– Source: Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Volume 115, Annals of Joseon
◆ Same Era, Different Worlds
🏛️ China
Han Dynasty consolidated power but faced political turmoil with purges of founding generals. Empress Lü was regent during this period of instability.
🗿 Mediterranean
Rome completed the Second Punic War (218-201 BCE) and began establishing Mediterranean hegemony as Carthage declined under Hannibal’s defeat.
🏺 Eurasian Steppe
The Xiongnu Empire under Modu Chanyu reached its zenith after defeating the Donghu, establishing dominance over North Asia and pressuring Han China.
 |
[Image: Wiman crossing the Pae River with his topknot hairstyle and Joseon clothing, leading a thousand refugees from Yan state to Gojoseon – the historic moment of exile in 195 BCE]
📜 Scene from That Day
“Autumn, 194 BCE. Wiman stood before King Jun. ‘Your Majesty, the Han army approaches along ten routes. I must enter the capital to protect you.’ King Jun nodded. Wiman wore his topknot and Joseon robes, just as he had when he first arrived as a refugee a year ago. Since being appointed as a Paksa official and entrusted with defending the western hundred li of territory, he had been a loyal subject. He had even repelled Han incursions.”
“The gates of Wanggeom fortress opened. Wiman’s troops entered. But their swords turned inward, not outward. By the time King Jun realized the deception, it was too late. The palace was surrounded, his ministers scattered. ‘Traitor!’ Jun cried out, but Wiman was already seated on the throne. That night, King Jun fled south with only a handful of followers. They would have to cross the sea. More than 2,000 years of Gojoseon’s legitimacy sailed away on a single boat toward the southern part of the peninsula.”
◆ Uncovering Historical Truth
Wiman’s coup was meticulously planned from the beginning. When he arrived in Gojoseon in 195 BCE with his thousand followers, he likely already harbored ambitions. He petitioned King Jun to defend the Han border and secured the western hundred li of territory. From there, he steadily accumulated power by absorbing the continuous flow of refugees from Yan, Qi, and Zhao. Within just one year, his forces had snowballed dramatically.
According to the Wei Lüe (Brief Account of Wei), Wiman deceived King Jun with false intelligence that Han troops were invading along ten routes. Under the pretense of protecting the king, he marched his army into the capital fortress of Wanggeom and then attacked. This was Korea’s first recorded coup d’état. King Jun had no time to resist—he fled with his close retainers across the sea to the south, settling in Han territory (present-day Iksan area in North Jeolla Province) where he proclaimed himself King of Han. This became the origin of the later Mahan confederacy.
After seizing power, Wiman acted shrewdly. He maintained the state name “Joseon” and kept the capital at Wanggeom. He incorporated indigenous nobles into high government positions. Records from the reign of King Ugeo (Wiman’s grandson) show officials with Joseon names like Joseon Sang Yeokgyeong, Joseon Sang Noin, and Nigye Sang Cham occupying top positions. Wiman changed only the ruling elite while preserving the state’s identity and institutions. This is why modern scholarship views Wiman Joseon not as a simple “Chinese regime” but as a successor state to Gojoseon.
Period
195 BCE: Wiman’s exile
194 BCE: Coup d’état
86 years of existence
Key Figures
Wiman (coup leader)
King Jun (last king)
King Lu Wan of Yan
Key Events
Korea’s first coup
Jun’s flight south
Seizure of Wanggeom
Impact
Iron Age acceleration
Trade dominance
Mahan formation
🔍 Academic Perspectives
Gojoseon Succession Theory (Mainstream)
Based on evidence that Wiman wore a topknot and Joseon clothing, maintained the state name “Joseon,” incorporated indigenous nobles, and preserved laws and culture, scholars view Wiman Joseon as a continuation of Gojoseon. Only the ruling elite changed while state identity remained intact.
Chinese Regime Theory (Minority)
The Shiji clearly identifies Wiman as “a man of Yan,” he accepted Han’s vassal status as an “outer subject,” and introduced Chinese-style administration. This view, influenced by Japanese colonial historiography, considers it a Chinese regime rather than Korean.
◆ Speaking to Our Present
Wiman’s coup raises questions still relevant 2,200 years later. What defines “legitimacy”? Is it bloodline, culture, or governing competence? Wiman was an external usurper, yet he preserved the state name, continued cultural traditions, and strengthened the nation. King Jun was legitimate royalty, yet he failed to protect his kingdom. Which side does history favor?
Modern Korea has faced similar dilemmas. The May 16 military coup of 1961, the December 12 incident of 1979, and the 1980 military seizure of power—all justified themselves with promises of “modernization” and “economic development,” achieving certain results. Yet questions of legitimacy persist. Wiman also transformed Gojoseon into a powerful state, but his path to power was clearly a coup. Can ends ever justify means?
| Category | Wiman Joseon (194 BCE) | Modern Korea (20-21st Century) |
|---|---|---|
| Method of Seizure | Military coup using false intelligence | May 16, December 12 military takeovers |
| Justification | National defense, protection from Han invasion | Modernization, economic development, security crisis |
| Historical Assessment | State strengthening vs. legitimacy loss | Economic growth vs. democratic setback |
 |
[Image: Political symbolism with Wanggeom fortress as backdrop – Left shows King Jun departing by boat to the south, right shows Wiman seated on the throne, center displays a plaque with the state name ‘Joseon (朝鮮)’]
📚 Diving Deeper
- Wiman’s exact ethnic identity remains debated. While the Shiji identifies him as “a man of Yan,” Yan territory included former Gojoseon lands conquered by Qin Kai. Thus Wiman might have been a descendant of Gojoseon refugees living under Yan rule.
- The Mahan kingdom founded by King Jun in the south lasted approximately 700 years. Joseon-era scholars promoted the “Samhan Legitimacy Theory,” arguing that Gija’s bloodline continued through Mahan rather than Wiman Joseon.
- Wiman Joseon lasted 86 years, fully introducing iron culture and prospering through intermediary trade, before falling to Han Emperor Wu’s invasion in 108 BCE, after which the Han Commanderies were established.
The Voice of Living History
History is written by victors, they say. Wiman seized power through a coup but strengthened the nation for 86 years. King Jun was legitimate royalty but failed to defend his kingdom and fled. Who was right? Perhaps the question itself is wrong. History isn’t about right and wrong—it’s a record of choices and consequences.
“On the day Wiman deceived King Jun, 2,000 years of Gojoseon history ended and a new era began. Yet the name ‘Joseon’ endured. Legitimacy was severed, but identity continued. Next episode: How Wiman Joseon seized control of East Asian trade and built an economic powerhouse.”
Previous Episode
Episode 9: Confronting Yan – 4th Century BCE East Asian Geopolitics
Next Episode
Episode 11: Master of Intermediary Trade – Wiman Joseon’s Economic Strategy
The Korean Today “History Lives On” Series
Gojoseon Chronicle (23 Episodes)
© 2025 The Korean Today. All rights reserved.
This content is based on historical facts and presents various academic perspectives in a balanced manner.
<저작권자 ⓒ 코리안투데이(The Korean Today) 무단전재 및 재배포 금지>
