Liu Kun (Jin dynasty)

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Liu Kun
劉琨
Inspector of Bing Province (幷州刺史)
In office 306 (306)–316 (316)
Monarch	Emperor Hui of Jin / Emperor Huai of Jin / Emperor Min of Jin
Personal details
Born	271
Died	22 June 318
Spouse	Lady Cui
Relations	Liu Yu (brother) Sima Lun's daughter-in-law (sister)
Children	Liu Zun Liu Qun
Parents	Liu Fan (father) Lady Guo (mother)
Occupation	Military general, poet
Courtesy name	Yueshi (越石)
Posthumous name	Min (愍)
Peerage	Marquis of Guangwu (廣武侯)

Liu Kun (271^[1] – 22 June 318^[2]), courtesy name Yueshi, was a Chinese military general and poet of the Jin dynasty. An esteemed writer during the early years of his career, he was also known for his time as the Inspector of Bingzhou, during which he spearheaded Jin's efforts in fighting back against the Xiongnu-led Han-Zhao dynasty. Despite his determination and active role in the war against Han, he lacked the sufficient military and administrative skills to quash the growing Han threat, suffering repeated defeats and having to heavily rely on his alliance with the Tuoba-Xianbei. He was eventually driven out from Bingzhou following a decisive defeat to Shi Le in 316 and fled to Youzhou, where he allied with the chieftain, Duan Pidi. After Pidi suspected him of betrayal, he was arrested and executed via strangulation in 318.