Chŏng Munbu

Chŏng Munbu was born on March 20, 1565, in Namso-dong, Hanseong, as the second son of Chŏng Sin and Lady Kim of the Gangneung Kim clan. He belonged to the Haeju Chŏng lineage, a distinguished family noted for producing successive generations of high-ranking officials.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=27-28}} Both his grandfather, Chŏng Ŏngak, and his father, Chŏng Sin, had passed the state civil service examinations and served in various official capacities.{{Cite journal |last=김재천 |date= |year=2021 |title=壬辰倭亂 中 鄭文孚의 二元的 地位 |url=https://www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE10820473 |journal=동북아 문화연구 |language=ko |volume=69 |pages=65–81 |issn=1598-3692}}

From an early age, Chŏng Munbu demonstrated exceptional literary talent.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=30}} At the age of seven, he composed a five-character old-style poetry titled "The Beauty of Jade Cannot Compare to the Cold Hue of the Crow" (玉顔不及寒鴉色). His reputation as a prodigiou poet grew further when, at the age of eight, he authored the poem "Crescent" (初月), a work that garnered widespread acclaim.{{Cite journal |last=劉永奉 |date=2004 |title=農圃 鄭文孚의 詩를 구성하는 두개의 큰 軸 |url=https://www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE08995084 |journal=南冥學硏究 |language=ko |issue=17 |pages=27–59 |issn=1226-8925}} By the age of fourteen, he attained first place in the Literary Licentiate Examination (Sǔngposi) with his poem "In the Bright Moonlight, Flowers Fall and Dusk Returns" (月明花落又黃昏). This work, along with that of Yi Hang-bok, was later introduced to the Ming dynasty as an examplary specimen of Joseon examination poetry.

In 1585, Chŏng Munbu passed both the Saengwŏn (Classics Licentiate) Examination and Chinsa (Literary Licentiate) Examination, thereby earning the title of Saengwon. In 1588, he successfully passed the triennial state civil service examination, achieving second place honors.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=37}}

Chŏng Munbu began his official career in 1588 as an Assistant Copyist (Pujŏngja) at the Sŭngmunwŏn (Bureau of State Records).{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=38}} In November of the same year, he was promoted to Copyist (jŏngja), and in December, he received further appointment as a Staff Officer (Ch'amgun) at the Hansŏngbu (Capital Bureau), advancing rapidly through the ranks.

In 1589, he was promoted to Sixth Counselor (Such'an) at the Hongmun'gwan and subsequently held dual positions as Fourth Censor (Chŏung'ŏn) at the Saganwŏn and Professor at the National Academy.{{Citation |last=이 |first=장희(성균관대학교, 한국사) |title=정문부 (鄭文孚) |work=한국민족문화대백과사전 [Encyclopedia of Korean Culture] |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0050206 |access-date=2025-04-27 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |language=ko}}

In the summer of 1590, Chŏng was appointed as a Royal Decree Officer (Jijegyo), tasked with drafting royal edicts, composing diplomatic correspondence, and preparing formal documents for court ceremonies.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=38}} Later that winter, he was promoted to the fifth senior rank and appointed as Fourth Inspector (Chip'yŏng) at the Sahŏnbu (Office of Inspector-General).{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=38}}

In August 1591, Chŏng Munbu was appointed Assistant Military Commander (Pyŏngmap'yŏngsa) of Hamgyong Province, a position ranked at the sixth senior grade. Although the post was of a lower rank than his previous office as a Chip'yŏng, it carried significant authority over regional military administration.{{Cite journal |last=김준영 |last2=우인수 |date= |year=2021 |title=조선후기 함경도 북평사의 위상과 역할 |url=https://scholar.kyobobook.co.kr/article/detail/4010028487332 |journal=민족문화논총 |language=ko |volume=78 |pages=325–364 |doi=10.15186/ikc.2021.8.31.11 |issn=1229-8697}} Chŏng voluntarily accepted the transfer, seeking to overcome the obstacles to his advancement in the central government that stemmed from the political repercussions associated with his grandfather Chŏng Ŏngak's involvement in the Jeongmi Purge (1547).{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=38-39}}

As Assistant Military Commander of Hamgyŏng Province, Chŏng Munbu primarily assisted the Provincial Military Commander (Pyŏngmajŏldosa) in matters of defense. He undertook regular inspections of the six garrisons (Yukchin), overseeing troop training, military infrastructure, and supply stockpiles in preparation for potential Jurchen incursions. Beyond military affairs, Chŏng also focused on local governance. He provided Confucian education to provincial students and actively worked to eliminate administrative abuses, thereby earning the trust and support of the local population.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=53-54}}

In 1592, following the outbreak of the Imjin War and the advance of the Japanese Second Division under Katō Kiyomasa into Hamgyŏng Province, Chŏng Munbu, serving as Assistant Military Commander, coordinated the defense of the region alongside Han Kǔk-ham, the Provincial Military Commander of Hamgyŏng.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=56}} However, on July 17, their forces were defeated at the Battle of Haejŏngch'ang and Chŏng retreated to Haech'on in Kyŏngsŏng.{{sfn|김만호|2008|p=53}} On July 23, Prince Imhae and Prince Sunhwa, who had been dispatched to mobilize royal reinforcements, were captured by Japanese forces following an internal revolt by Kuk Kyŏng-in.

In response, Chŏng Munbu pledged to raise a righteous army in collaboration with former provincial governor Yi Sŏng-im. They joined forces with local officials, including O Ǔng-tae, Magistrate of Kyŏngwŏn, and Na Chŏng-ŏn, Magistrate of Kyŏnghǔng, and advanced toward Kyŏngsŏng. However, their campaign was thwarted by Japanese collaborator Kuk Se-p'il, resulting in their defeat and subsequent disbandment.{{Cite book |last=이장희 |title=임진왜란사 연구 |publisher=아세아문화사 |year=2007 |isbn=9788942816934 |pages=114-139 |language=KO |chapter=鄭文孚와 關北義兵}}

At the time, many indigenous inhabitants of Hamgyŏng Province had aligned themselves as sunwae (pro-Japanese collaborators), frequently capturing local officials and delivering them to Japanese forces. To evade such dangers, Chŏng Munbu sought refuge at the residence of a shaman named Han In-gan.{{Cite web |title= Revised Veritable Records of Seonjo September 1592, 20th article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/knb_12509001_020 |access-date=2025-05-01 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}} Later, Chŏng relocated to the residence of his disciple Chi Tal-wŏn in Kyŏngsŏng.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=66}} In August, Encouraged by appeals from Chi Tal-wŏn and Ch'oe Pae-ch'ŏn to organize a righteous army again, Chŏng consented. Together, they devised plans to form a righteous army at the home of Yi Pung-su in Kyŏngsŏng, where several commanders, including Kang Mun-u, assembled to offer their support.

On September 16, 1592, Chŏng Munbu led his righteous army to reclaim Kyŏngsŏng, then held by Kuk Se-p’il. Chŏng successfully persuaded Kuk to surrender the fortress by not only leveraging the threat of Jurchen incursions but also mediating through Ch'oe Pae-ch'ŏn, related well with him. Following the peaceful occupation, Chŏng issued a proclamation urging local participation in the resistance, prompting numerous reinforcements, including Chŏng Hyŏn-ryong and O Ŭng-t’ae, to join his growing force. Chŏng Mun-bu sought to appoint Chŏng Hyŏn-ryong—his senior in official rank—as the leader of the Righteous Army. However, Chŏng Hyŏn-ryong declined, stating that he was unfit to shoulder such a heavy responsibility. Meanwhile, the majority of the militia argued that Chŏng Mun-bu, having already gained the trust and respect of the local populace, was best suited to serve as commander. In deference to both popular sentiment and the pressing need for unified leadership, Chŏng ultimately accepted command and assumed leadership of the Righteous Army.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=69}}

{{Main|Battle of Bukgwan}}

File:창의토왜도.jpg

Ahead of planned military operations, Chŏng resolved to punish prominent collaborators.{{Cite web |title= Revised Veritable Records of Seonjo October 1592, 10th article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/knb_12510001_010 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}} He publicly declared the formation of the righteous army and designated key defectors—such as Kuk Kyŏng-in and Chŏng Mal-su—as targets for retribution. In Hoeryŏng, Confucian students O Yun-jŏk and Sin Se-jun took the lead in executing this policy; after O's arrest, Sin mobilized armed men and assassinated Kuk Kyŏng-in. In Myŏngch'ŏn, a failed uprising against Chŏng Mal-su was later succeeded by forces under Ku Hwang and Kang Mun-u, who were dispatched by Chŏng. Upon regaining Kyŏngsŏng, Chŏng ordered the execution of Kuk Se-p'il and remaining collaborators, thereby eliminating internal resistance across Hamgyŏng Province.{{Cite journal |last=편집부 |year=1981 |title=北關大捷碑와 義兵精神 |url=https://www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE06514090 |journal=군사 |language=ko |issue=2 |pages=86–107 |issn=1598-317X}}

Following the consolidation of control, Chŏng reorganized his forces into three main divisions—central, left, and right—under the respective command of Chŏng Hyŏn-ryong, Han In-je, and Yu Gyŏng-ch’ŏn. Smaller ambush units were also positioned under O Ŭng-t’ae and Wŏn Ch'ung-sŏ to maximize tactical mobility. On October 30, Wŏn executed a successful ambush against a Japanese unit returning from a massacre in Myŏngch’ŏn, forcing them to retreat to Jangdŏk Mountain. The righteous army secured the summit and launched a coordinated assault, driving the Japanese into a valley where they were trapped. That night, a heavy snowfall incapacitated the Japanese troops, enabling the righteous army to encircle and destroy them. This decisive victory at Jangp’yŏng cemented Chŏng Mun-bu's strategic control over the northeastern front.

While serving concurrently as Assistant Military Commander and Commander of the Righteous Army, Chŏng Mun-bu occupied a dual role that blurred the line between official military authority and civilian volunteer leadership. On the battlefield, he led the Righteous Army as its commander, yet following engagements, he submitted reports to the central government in his capacity as a government official. This ambiguous position became a source of friction with Yun T’ak-yŏn, the Provincial Patrol Commissioner (Sunch'alsa) of Hamgyŏng.{{Cite journal |last=김재천 |year=2020 |title=임진왜란 중 정문부와 윤탁연의 갈등 양상 연구 |url=https://www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE10507442 |journal=동북아 문화연구 |language=ko |volume=65 |pages=133–149 |issn=1598-3692}}

Yun, having recently assumed command over the province's military affairs, expected that Chŏng would operate under his supervision.{{sfn|김만호|2008|p=38}} However, Chŏng bypassed Yun when submitting official reports and independently exercised military and administrative functions, including granting rewards and pardons—actions which Yun regarded as exceeding his authority and violating bureaucratic protocol. Viewing Chŏng's autonomous operations as insubordinate, Yun formally censured him on four occasions.

From Chŏng Mun-bu's perspective reportedly, Yun's repeated interference not only undermined morale among the righteous army but also attempted to appropriate the achievements of the Righteous Army. Despite lacking formal recognition as supreme commander, Chŏng commanded deep loyalty from the volunteer fighters, having earned popular support through both military success and leadership. The deteriorating relationship ultimately culminated in Chŏng's forced resignation as commander of the righteous army on November 21, when Yun appointed Chŏng Hyŏn-ryong as his successor.{{sfn|정한기|2024|p=82}}

Following his resignation, Chŏng Munbu resumed his duties as Assistant Military Commander, focusing on the defense of the northern frontier against Jurchen incursions.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=82}} Although the position of righteous army commander was initially handed over to Chŏng Hyŏn-ryong and later to O Ŭng-t’ae, both successors failed to command the same respect and cohesion among the volunteers. Discontent grew within the ranks, with many soldiers voicing dissatisfaction and defecting from the force. In response to the mounting instability and erosion of morale, Chŏng was reinstated as commander of the Righteous Army on January 13, 1593.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=152}}

On 22 January 1593, Chŏng Mun-bu responded to a request for assistance from Kang Ch'an, the magistrate of Tanchon, by dispatching 200 troops under four commanders, including Gu Hwang. Using a decoy maneuver at Macheollyeong, Chŏng's forces ambushed a 900-man Japanese garrison, killing approximately 170 without sustaining casualties.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=161}} Later that month, as Katō Kiyomasa led a massive force to relieve besieged Japanese troops in Kilju, Chŏng strategically withdrew from Tanchon and engaged the Japanese at Paektapkyo on January 28.{{Cite journal |last=朴道植 |year=2006 |title=「북관대첩비」에 보이는 함경도 의병의 활약상 |url=https://www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE01967945 |journal=인문학연구 |language=ko |volume=10 |pages=271–300 |issn=1598-3382}} Although his forces inflicted heavy losses on the enemy, they also suffered significant casualties and retreated to Myŏngch’ŏn for reorganization.{{sfn|안국승|1999|pp=162-166}} That night, Katō's forces, having reunited with the isolated Japanese garrison in Kilju, withdrew toward Anbyŏn. With this retreat, Chŏng Mun-bu and the Righteous Army completed the recapture of Hamgyŏng Province.{{Cite web |title= Revised Veritable Records of Seonjo January 1593, 5th article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/knb_12601001_005 |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}

Despite his pivotal role in the successful recapture of Hamgyŏng Province, Chŏng Munbu's contributions were not fully acknowledged by the central government. Provincial Governor Yun T'ak-yŏn failed to accurately report Chŏng's achievements, leading to underrecognition of his military accomplishments.{{Cite journal |last=류주희 |date=2005 |title=임진왜란을 전후한 尹卓然의 활동 — 「北關日記」를 중심으로 — |url=https://www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE08806605 |journal=한국사상과 문화 |language=ko |issue=28 |pages=137–172 |issn=1229-1749}} Instead, the court attributed the victory primarily to Chŏng Hyŏn-ryong, appointing him as Provincial Military Commander. In contrast, Chŏng Mun-bu was merely granted the post of Magistrate of Yŏnghŭng on April 9, 1593, in recognition only of his efforts in suppressing internal collaborators, rather than for his leadership in liberating the province.{{Cite web |title=Veritable Records of Seonjo 9 April 1593, 3rd article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kna_12604009_003 |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}{{Cite web |title=Revised Veritable Records of Seonjo January 1593, 6th article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/knb_12601001_006 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}

He continued to serve in key administrative roles within the province, including appointments as Magistrate of Onsŏng and Magistrate of Kilju.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=171-174}} In November 1596, amid rising concerns over a potential second Japanese invasion, he was reassigned to the strategically important position of Magistrate of Gongju.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=106-107}}

In November 1598, Chŏng resigned from government service and retired to his home village.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=178}}

In 1599, Chŏng Mun-bu returned to government service upon his appointment as Chief Judge (P’angyŏlsa) of the Bureau of Slaves (Changyewŏn).{{Sfn|안국승|199|p=178}} He was subsequently promoted to a Associate Minister (Ch’amŭi ) of the Ministry of Taxation (Hojo), and in 1600, appointed Deputy Commander (Puhogun) of the Royal Guards (Yongyangwi).{{Sfn|안국승|199|p=178}} In 1601, residents of Hamgyŏng petitioned the court to recognize his meritorious service in repelling Japanese forces.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=108}} In response, he was promoted to a Vice Minister (Ch’amp’an) of the Ministry of Rites (Yejo), a senior second-rank position.{{Sfn|안국승|199|p=178}}

In 1603, Chŏng was appointed Associate Director (Tongjisa) of the Privy Council (Chungch’ubu). The following year, however, he was demoted to Associate Councillor (Ch'omjisa).{{Cite web |title=Veritable Records of Seonjo June 22, 1603, 5th article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kna_13706022_005 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}} On August, he left office upon the death of his father and observed the traditional mourning period for two years in Songsan.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=180}} After completing mourning on November 4, 1606, he was appointed Magistrate of Changdan.{{Cite web |title=Veritable of Records of Seonjo November 4, 1606, 2nd article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kna_13911004_002 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}

In 1610, the year after King Gwanghaegun's accession, Chŏng was selected as Envoy for Gratitude Missions (Saeŭnbusa) to the Ming court in Beijing.{{Sfn|안국승|2024|p=111}} In August 1611, he was appointed Magistrate of Namwŏn, where he actively promoted Confucian learning and scholarly exchange.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=112}} In consideration of his favorable reputation in Hamgyŏng Province, he was reappointed Magistrate of Kilju.{{Cite web |title=Diary of Gwanghaegun October 27, 1611, 5th Article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/koa_10310027_005 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=200}} On April 20, 1612, he was named Vice Minister of Law Enforcement, but he requested reassignment to an external post in order to care for his aging mother.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=200}}

Amid intensifying factional strife in 1613, Chŏng withdrew from office and returned to private life. Dividing his time between Songsan and Seoul, he lived in seclusion, avoiding entanglement with powerful elites.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=113-115}} Although he was later nominated for high posts such as Vice Minister of Military Affairs and Minister of Rites, he declined to accept any appointments.{{Cite web |title=Diary of Gwnahaegun April 10, 1617, 5th article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/koa_10904010_005 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}}{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=204-209}}

On July 5, 1618, under growing pressure from the ruling faction, Chŏng reluctantly accepted the post of Magistrate of Ch’angwŏn.{{Cite web |title=Diary of Gwanghaegun July 5, 1618, 13rd article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/koa_11007005_013 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}} During his tenure, he fostered Confucian scholarship, constructed the pavilion Samijŏng, and restored Wŏl’yŏngdae, where he pursued literary leisure and composed ten poems on historical subjects.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=115-118}}

Following the enthronement of King Injo in 1623, Chŏng was appointed Mayor of Chŏnju in April by a recommendation of Chief State Councillor Yi Wŏnik.{{Cite web |title=Veritable Records of Injo January 27, 1624, 2nd Article |url=https://sillok.history.go.kr/id/kpa_10201027_002 |access-date=2025-05-11 |website=sillok.history.go.kr}} However, that July, upon the death of his mother, he returned to Songsan for mourning. During this period, his health deteriorated significantly, and he developed a severe abscess.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=212-213}}

In 1624, Chŏng Munbu was arrested on suspicion of involvement in a treason conspiracy led by Pak Hong-gu.{{Cite journal |last=김용 |date=2006 |title=인조반정(仁祖反正)의 명분과 정권의 정통성 논쟁 -인성군 이공 처벌 논의를 중심으로- |url=https://kiss.kstudy.com/Detail/Ar?key=2562299 |journal=역사학연구 |language=ko |publisher=호남사학회 |volume=27 |pages=169-194 |via=KISS}} The conspirators, including Pak Yun-jang and Pak Nae-jang, plotted to enthrone Prince Insŏng and restore the deposed King Gwanghaegun as Retired King (T’aesangwang). As part of their plans, they discussed appointing Chŏng as the vanguard commander of the rebel forces.{{Cite journal |last=박병련 |date=2024 |title=仁祖 政權의 北黨肅淸 過程과 해주정씨 鄭勝－‘功臣’과 ‘逆賊’의 분기점－ |url=https://kiss.kstudy.com/Detail/Ar?key=4160728 |journal=한국계보연구 |language=ko |volume=15 |pages=7-52 |via=KISS}} To gauge Chŏng's willingness to participate, they sought to approach him through Yi Tae-gŏm, an acupuncturist who had been treating Chŏng for an abscess. Through this intermediary, the conspirators intended to probe Chŏng's stance.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=213-215}}

The plot was uncovered on November 8, and during subsequent interrogations on November 11, testimony emerged indicating that Chŏng had been designated as a prospective commander. As a result, he was subjected to official investigation. During interrogation, Chŏng Mun-bu consistently maintained his innocence. Yi Tae-gŏm testified that he had never mentioned the conspiracy to Chŏng, thereby confirming Chŏng's noninvolvement.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=215}} On November 17, Left State Councillor Yun Pang submitted a report concluding that there was no evidence that Chŏng had accepted the treasonous proposal.

{{Quote box

| quote = 楚離三戶逆秦亡 末必南公說得當

一入武關民望絶 孱孫何事又懷王

With only three households left, Chu destroyed Qin.

The words of Lord Namgong were not entirely right.

Entering through Wu Pass, the people's hopes were severed.

What use is it now for feeble heirs to blame King Huai?

| source = —Chŏng Munbu, 1618{{Cite web |title=농포집(農圃集) |url=http://db.hiks.or.kr/munjung/node.do?itemId=munjung&gubun=form&upPath=%EA%B3%A0%EC%84%9C%5E%EC%A7%91%EB%B6%80%5E%EB%B3%84%EC%A7%91%EB%A5%98%5EHIKS_OB_F9008-01-240501%5EHIKS_OB_F9008-01-240501.0002%5EHIKS_OB_F9008-01-240501.0002.0004&dataId=HIKS_OB_F9008-01-240501.0002.0004.TXT.0118 |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=db.hiks.or.kr |language=ko}}{{sfn|정한기|2024|p=124}}

| align = right

| width =

}}Nevertheless, the Censorate officials (Taegan) raised issue with a poem about King Huai of Chu Chŏng had composed during his tenure as magistrate of Ch’angwŏn.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=123-126}} They accused the poem of implicitly denying the legitimacy of King Injo, who had ascended the throne after the deposition of Gwanghaegun, and of expressing seditious intent.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=125}}

However, the poem had been composed in 1618, five years before Injo's rise to power through the 1623 Injo Coup, making it chronologically impossible for the poem to target Injo.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=125}} Moreover, its content was a historical elegy referencing Chinese dynastic precedent, not a political commentary on the Joseon succession.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=216-217}} Despite these facts, the Taegan failed to properly examine the context and subjected Chŏng to severe torture.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=125}}

File:정문부장군묘.jpg

Despite severe torture, Chŏng Munbu steadfastly maintained his innocence. However, he was ultimately unable to withstand the physical abuse and died on November 19, 1624, ath the age of 59.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=126}} He was buried before his father Chŏng Sin's grave at Songsan in Yangju, present-day Uijeongbu.{{Citation |last=정 |first=진각 |title=정문부 장군 묘 (鄭文孚 將軍 墓) |work=한국민족문화대백과사전 [Encyclopedia of Korean Culture] |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0050207 |access-date=2025-05-10 |publisher=Academy of Korean Studies |language=ko}}

Chŏng Munbu was officially exonerated in 1665, 41 years after his death.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=139}} Chief State Councillor Chŏng T’ae-hwa and Hŏ Chŏk asserted the injustice of his death to Hyeonjong, detailing Chŏng's achievements in the Bukgwan Campaign and his death.{{Sfn|정한기|2024|p=139}}{{Cite journal |last=김강식 |date=2022 |title=조선후기 의병장 鄭文孚의 기억 양상 |url=https://scholar.kyobobook.co.kr/article/detail/4010037071214 |journal=이순신연구논총 |language=ko |volume=37 |pages=309–347 |issn=1975-5473}} Hyŏnjong agreed that the controversial poem contained no seditious elements, thereby clearing his name.{{Sfn|안국승|1999|p=221}}

Subsequently, Hamgyŏng Governor Min Chŏng-jung and Assistant Military Commander Yi Tan-ha recommended posthumous honors for key contributors to the Bukgwan Campaign. Chŏng was posthumously appointed Left Vice Minister (chwach’ansŏng) of the State Council. In 1713, during the reign of King Sukjong, he was further honored with the posthumous title Ch’ungŭi, meaning “Loyal and Resolute,” in recognition of his distinguished service.

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• {{citation |last=김만호 |title=임진왜란기 일본군의 함경도 점령과 지역의 동향 |year=2008 |type=Dissertation}}
• {{citation |last=안국승 |first= |title=임란 의병장 충의공 정문부 |year=1999 |url=https://memory.library.kr/files/original/0e9d16d65954a5586f4bd53045843ebe.pdf |publisher=의정부문화원 |isbn=}}
• {{citation |last=정한기 |first= |title=정문부 평전 |year=2024 |publisher=메디치미디어 |isbn=9791157063895}}

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Category:Joseon generals

Category:People of the Imjin War

Category:16th-century births

Category:1624 deaths

Category:16th-century Korean people