Ajagae

Who is Ajagae?

Ajagae was a military leader in the Sangju area during the waning years of Unified Silla. He led a local rebellion which seized Sangju. He is remembered today primarily as the father of Gyeon Hwon, the king of Hubaekje. Some Gyeon family lineages therefore claim him as their progenitor, although he himself was of Yi descent. Ajagae was born and lived most of his life in Gaeun, in modern-day Mungyeong City, where he was a farmer. According to the Samguk Yusa, he was descended from King Jinheung of Silla, but clearly his branch of the family had lost its royal connection some time before.

Since there is no record of interactions between Ajagae and Gyeon Hwon during their later years, it is possible that Ajagae was not really Gyeon Hwon's father. The records of the Later Three Kingdoms period, however, are too sparse to permit any conclusive judgment. It is equally possible that the two men became estranged after Gyeon Hwon left home to join the Silla army.