Daru of Baekje


Daru of Baekje was the second king of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea.

Background

He was the eldest son of the founding monarch Onjo and became the heir of throne in the year 10. He became king upon Onjo's death in 28 which was the 46th year of his reign. The Samguk Sagi records that "he was a generous man and had presence and esteem".

Reign

The Samguk Sagi records many battles against the "Malgal" during Daru's reign. It is unclear who this refers to, as the Mohe tribes are thought to have occupied Manchuria northwest of the northern Korean kingdom Goguryeo, far from Baekje's capital. The "Malgal" do not appear to refer to the Buyeo people that founded Baekje, nor to the Mahan confederacy tribes subjugated by Baekje. They appear to have remained from the earlier period, incited by Chinese commanderies to attack Baekje. The battles indicate that Baekje as a new power was still expanding its control of the central Korean Peninsula.
Samguk Sagi: