The Characteristics of 'Vow by Five Meritorious Subjects'

오공신회맹문기의 성격

'Vow by Five Meritorious Subjects' was drawn up in November 14 of the second year of King Sejo's reign. The document was a pledge taken by King Sejo's son, Prince Chang, and the King's five meritorious officers in charge of national foundation (개국공신), affairs(정사공신), national defense(좌명공신), national security(정난공신), national building(좌익공신), and their offsprings in an attempt to consolidate their political power and to eliminate the opposition after having forged their coup as if King Tanjong abdicated his throne in favor of King Sejo. The signatories to this document numbered 137 persons whereas non-signatories were 83. It appears that those 83 non-signitorious were unabled to sign the vow for they were not present at the signing ceremony which followed the drafting of the document because all of them had, later on, been promoted to advice King Sejo.