The Nature of the Official Ranks ‘Bogukjanggun輔國將軍 Bongukwang本國王’, and the Identity of ‘Garawang Haji加羅王 荷知’

This research reexamines the meaning of the Official Ranks Bogukjanggun Bongukwang and explores the identity of Haji, the so-called Garawang granted to the King of Gara in 479 AD. The title Bogukjanggun corresponded to a third-rank general position before the military reforms of the Liang梁 Dynasty. Meanwhile, Bongukwang appears to have originated from another name for Geumgwan-guk, as recorded in the Records of Garak. Unlike other East Asian rulers of the time, whose titles typically included an Imperial Credential Title or Title of Commander-in-Chief of All Military Affairs, the title bestowed upon the King of Gara followed the structure of Baekje’s military officials, combining a General’s title with a Royal title. However, the structure of this title suggests that Southern Qi likely regarded the King of Gara not as the sovereign of an independent state but rather as a ruler of a vassal state or a regional warlord. Furthermore, Haji is more likely that the original diplomatic designation—Gara(guk) Wang Jilji Hangi—was modified according to Southern Qi’s diplomatic conventions, resulting in the recorded name Gara(guk) Wang Haji. Until the second quarter of the 5th century, Geumgwan- guk remained in power. However, as emerging powers in Busan, Hapcheon, Changnyeong, and Goryeong gained prominence, Geumgwan-guk may have sought to restore its diminished status by sending an envoy to Southern Qi. To properly understand the geopolitical context of this period, this study argues that research on Silla and Gaya history should not focus solely on the year 400 AD—often considered a key turning point—but should instead take a broader view encompassing the late 4th to early 5th centuries, particularly the shifting power dynamics between Goguryeo and Baekje. Only then can the dispatch of a diplomatic mission from Gaya to Southern Qi be approached more rationally.