| Kim Kaesi | |
|---|---|
| Court Lady of the Senior Fifth Rank | |
| Born | 1584 Joseon |
| Died | 14 April 1623 (aged 38–39) Hanseong, Joseon |
| Consort of | |
| Father | Lord Kim |
| Mother | Lady Kang |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 김개시 |
| Hanja | 金介屎 |
| RR | Gim Gaesi |
| MR | Kim Kaesi |
Court Lady Kim (Korean: 상궁 김씨; Hanja: 尙宮 金氏; 1584 – 14 April 1623), personal name Kim Kaesi, was a palace woman during the Joseon period who became a concubine of King Seonjo and later of his son, Gwanghaegun. During the latter's reign, she intervened in state affairs and wielded immense power, being remembered today as one of the most infamous women in Korean history. She was executed by beheading soon after Gwanghaegun's dethronement.
There aren't extant records about Lady Kim's family or early life. It is only known that she was originally a maid in Gwanghaegun's quarters, and owing to her literacy and skill in handling documents, she was later moved into the service of Gwanghaegun's father, King Seonjo, eventually receiving his favor (승은; seungeun) and becoming his favorite concubine. While not beautiful, she was liked by both Seonjo and Gwanghae due to being quick-witted and clever. She was not only skilled in dancing and singing, but also possessed excellent judgment and was adept at political strategizing.
Lady Kim joined hands with the Greater Northerners (대북), a faction that supported Gwanghaegun, and worked to secure his succession to the throne. After Seonjo's death in 1608, she returned to serve Gwanghaegun, and despite her lowly background and lack of proper status (as she remained a court lady instead of being promoted to an official royal consort), she came to wield such power as to rival Yi Yi-cheom (이이첨). Her influence surpassed that of Queen Yu, Gwanghaegun's wife and the leader of the internal court. Although there was criticism for keeping the former king's favored court lady close, Gwanghaegun trusted Lady Kim and Lady Kim also proved her loyalty. She played a major role in the ousting of the Lesser Northerners (소북), the elimination of Grand Prince Yeongchang, and the confinement of Queen Inmok.
After the Westerners successfully led a coup d'état that replaced Gwanghaegun with his nephew, King Injo, Lady Kim was branded a wicked woman (악녀; or femme fatale) and sentenced to beheading.