Eul Paso

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Eul Paso (을파소, 乙巴素) (?-203) was the Guksang (Prime Minister) of Goguryeo under its 9th ruler King Gogukcheon. Eul Paso is well-remembered for being a righteous, and talented man that was chosen to a government position under King Gogukcheon's meritocratic system of selecting officials.

[edit] Background

Eul Paso was a native of Jwa-mul village near the Amnok River before his elevation to the position of Prime Minister. He was not of noble background, but a peasant who was known for his wisdom and righteousness. King Gogukcheon's sudden shift from an aristocratic to meritocratic style of government resulted in the discovering of many talented people throughout the kingdom. Among these selected individuals was Anryu, who was a student and neighbor of Eul Paso. Anryu told the king about Eul Paso, and Samguk Sagi says that the king summoned him to the capital, and eventually gave him the position of Prime Minister in 191.

[edit] Prime Minister

Eul Paso helped the king rule the kingdom wisely, but was constantly attacked politically by jealous nobles. The king became aware of this, and immediately put a halt to the protests. Eul Paso died in 203, during the reign of King Sansang, the successor of King Gogukcheon.