Introduction
Shin Don (신돈, 1322~1371) was a Korean Buddhist monk and scholar during the Goryeo Dynasty; His Dharma name was Pyeonjo and he became Teacher and advisor to Gongmin of Goryeo.
Summary
He was a Buddhist monk. He had the full confidence of King Gongmin, and he tried to reform the society of Goryeo. King Gongmin judged Shin Don clever. In 1365, King Gongmin gave him the nickname "Cheonghan Geosa" and the noble title Jinpyeonghu (Chinpyŏng Marquess)
He appointed a shinjin sadaebu (hangul: 신진사대부) (a group of new high-level officials) with an air of freshness and drove out some people who had acquired power. Also, he promoted setting up the Jeonmin Byeonjeong Dogam (hangul: 전민변정도감, hanja: 田民辨整都監), a kind of government office to reform the land and nation) in 1366. Thus, he was met with opposition by some powerful families. While surrounded by flatterers, he didn’t have any supporters. Finally King Gongmin executed him in 1371.
In popular culture
Shin Don was portrayed by Son Chang-min in the Korean drama Shin Don that aired on MBC from September 24, 2005 to May 7, 2006.
Portrayed by Yoo Ha-joon in the 2012 SBS historical drama series, The Great Seer.