Gojong of Korea

Monarch of Korea from 1864 to 1907

Not to be confused with Gojong of Goryeo.

"Gwangmu Emperor" redirects here. For the Chinese Emperor of Eastern Han dynasty, see Emperor Guangwu of Han.

Gojong

Gojong in 1907

Emperor Emeritus of Korea
Reign| 20 July 1907 – 29 August 1910
Predecessor| Position established
Successor| Monarchy abolished
(Korea annexed by Japan)
Emperor of Korea
Reign| 13 October 1897 – 19 July 1907
Successor| Sunjong
King of Joseon
Reign| 16 January 1864 – 13 October 1897
Predecessor| Cheoljong
Successor| Position abolished
(Establishment of the Korean Empire)
Regent|

* Grand Royal Queen Dowager Hyoyu (1864–1866)
* Grand Internal Prince Heungseon (de facto) (1864–1873)

Born| 8 September 1852
Unhyeongung, Hansŏng, Joseon
Died| 21 January 1919(1919-01-21) (aged 66)
Deoksugung, Keijō, Korea, Empire of Japan
Burial|

Hongyureung, Namyangju, South Korea

Spouse(s)|

Empress Myeongseong

(m. 1866; died 1895)​

Issue
among others...|

* Sunjong of Korea
* Prince Imperial Ui
* Crown Prince Euimin
* Princess Deokhye

| Names

Yi Myeongbok (이명복; 李命福) → Yi Hui (이희; 李㷩)
Era name and dates

* Gaeguk (개국; 開國): 1894–1895
* Geonyang (건양; 建陽): 1896–1897
* Gwangmu (광무; 光武): 1897–1907

Posthumous name
Emperor Munheon Mujang Inik Jeonghyo Tae (문헌무장인익정효태황제; 文憲武章仁翼貞孝太皇帝)
Temple name
Gojong (고종; 高宗)
Clan| Jeonju Yi
Dynasty| Yi
Father|

* Grand Internal Prince Heungseon (biological)
* Munjo of Joseon (adoptive)

Mother|

* Grand Internal Princess Consort Sunmok (biological)
* Queen Sinjeong (adoptive)

Religion| Korean Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism)
Signature|
Korean name
Hangul|

고종 광무제

Hanja|

高宗 光武帝

RR| Gojong Gwangmuje
MR| Kojong Kwangmuje
Birth name
Hangul|

이명복

Hanja|

李命福

RR| I Myeongbok
MR| I Myŏngbok
Later name
Hangul|

Hanja|

RR| I Hui
MR| I Hŭi
Monarchs of Korea

Joseon monarchs
|  Taejo|  1392–1398

|

Jeongjong|  1398–1400
Taejong|  1400–1418
Sejong|  1418–1450
Munjong|  1450–1452
Danjong|  1452–1455
Sejo|  1455–1468
Yejong|  1468–1469
Seongjong|  1469–1494
Yeonsangun|  1494–1506
Jungjong|  1506–1544
Injong|  1544–1545
Myeongjong|  1545–1567
Seonjo|  1567–1608
Gwanghaegun|  1608–1623
Injo|  1623–1649
Hyojong|  1649–1659
Hyeonjong|  1659–1674
Sukjong|  1674–1720
Gyeongjong|  1720–1724
Yeongjo|  1724–1776
Jeongjo|  1776–1800
Sunjo|  1800–1834
Heonjong|  1834–1849
Cheoljong|  1849–1864
Gojong|  1864–1897

* v
* t
* e

Gojong (Korean: 고종; Hanja: 高宗; 8 September 1852 – 21 January 1919), personal name Yi Myeongbok (이명복; 李命福), later Yi Hui (이희; 李㷩), also known as the Gwangmu Emperor (광무제; 光武帝), was the penultimate Korean monarch. He ruled Korea for 43 years, from 1864 to 1907, first as the last king of Joseon, and then as the first emperor of the Korean Empire from 1897 until his forced abdication in 1907. His wife, Queen Min (posthumously honored as Empress Myeongseong), played an active role in politics until her assassination carried out by the Japanese.

Gojong oversaw the bulk of the Korean monarchy's final years. He was born into the ruling House of Yi, and was first crowned on 13 December 1863 at the age of twelve. His biological father, Grand Internal Prince Heungseon (widely known as Heungseon Daewongun), acted as regent until he reached the age of majority, although he continued holding power until 1874. At this time, Korea was under policies of strict isolationism. By contrast, Japan had been rapidly modernizing under the Meiji Restoration. In 1876, Japan forcefully opened Korea and began a decades-long process of moving the peninsula into its own sphere of influence. For the following few decades, Korea was highly unstable, and subjected to a number of foreign encroachments. Incidents such as the 1882 Imo Incident, the 1884 Kapsin Coup, the 1894–1895 Donghak Peasant Rebellion, and the 1895 assassination of his wife occurred during his reign. All of these incidents were related to or involved foreign powers.

All the while, Gojong attempted to consolidate control, seek foreign support, and modernize the country in order to keep Korea independent. He initiated the Gwangmu Reform, which sought to improve the military, industry, and education, to some amount of success. These reforms were seen as insufficient by some parts of the Korean literati, especially the Independence Club, which Gojong at first tolerated but eventually abolished in 1898. After Japan defeated China in the 1894–1895 First Sino-Japanese War, China lost its suzerainty over Korea, which it had held for centuries. In 1897, shortly after returning from his internal exile in the Russian legation in Seoul, Gojong proclaimed the establishment of the independent Korean Empire, and became its first emperor. Gojong's actions drew the ire of Japan. After Japan defeated Russia in the 1904–1905 Russo-Japanese War, it finally became the sole power in the region, and accelerated its pace of absorbing Korea. Two months after the victory, Korea under Gojong lost diplomatic sovereignty in the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1905, signed by five ministers of Korea. Gojong refused to sign it and made attempts to bring the treaty to the attention of the international community and convince leading powers of the treaty's illegitimacy, but to no avail.

Gojong was forced to abdicate by Japan on 20 July 1907, and was replaced by his son, Yi Cheok. He was then confined to the palace Deoksugung. He made multiple attempts to escape and establish a government in exile abroad, but was unsuccessful each time. Korea formally became a Japanese colony in 1910, and the Korean imperial family was formally absorbed into the Japanese Imperial house. Gojong died on 21 January 1919, in his palace, in conditions that were then and are still seen in Korea as suspicious. The official cause of death was cerebral hemorrhage but rumors persisted that Gojong had been poisoned by Japan [ko]. His death was a direct catalyst for the March First Movement, which in turn bolstered the Korean independence movement.

## Early life

[edit]

Yi Myeongbok was born on 25 July 1852, in Jeongseonbang (정선방; 貞善坊) district, Seoul, Joseon. He was born into the royal House of Yi, and was the son of Yi Ha-eung and Lady Min.[1] After King Cheoljong died without son, the influential Andong Kim clan nominated Yi as the next King. Yi became Prince Ik-seon, shortly before his coronation.[1] He entered the palace on 9 December 1863, and his father and mother were ennobled.[2]

## King of Joseon

[edit]

Gojong in 1884. Photo by Percival Lowell Japanese illustration of Gojong and Queen Min receiving Inoue Kaoru.

On 13 December 1863, Yi was crowned in Injeong gate of Changdeokgung.[3] He was only twelve years old when he was crowned. Queen Sinjeong acted as regent until he became an adult. His father, Prince Heungseon Daewongun, assisted in the affairs of Queen Sinjeong's regency. In 1866, when the queen proclaimed the abolishment of the regency, Gojong's rule started.[1] On 6 March 1866, Min Chi-rok's daughter, Lady Min was selected as the new queen.[4] Even though Gojong's father Daewongun had no rights to maintain the regency, he still acted as regent illegally.[1]

During the mid-1860s, the Daewongun was the main proponent of isolationism and was responsible for the persecution of native and foreign Catholics, a policy that led directly to the French and the United States' expeditions to Korea, in 1866 and 1871 respectively. The early years of the Daewongun's rule also witnessed a concerted effort to restore the largely dilapidated Gyeongbokgung, the seat of royal authority. During this time, the Seowon (private academies that often doubled as epicenters of factional power), and the power wielded by the Andong Kim clan in particular were dismantled.[5]

Finally in 1873, Gojong announced the assumption of his direct royal rule. In November 1874, with the retirement of the Daewongun, Gojong's consort, Queen Min (posthumously known as Empress Myeongseong) and Yeoheung Min clan, gained complete control over the court, filling senior court positions with members of her family.[1] It was an open secret that the court and its policy were controlled by the queen consort.[6]

Gojong tried to strengthen the king's authority by giving important positions to consort kins and royal family members. It is known that Min Young-hwan, who was a distant relative of Queen Min, was Gojong's favorite official.[7]

### External pressures and unequal treaties

[edit]

See also: Unequal treaty § Korea

In the 19th century, tensions mounted between Qing China and Imperial Japan, culminating in the First Sino-Japanese War in 1894–1895. Much of this war was fought on the Korean peninsula. Japan, having acquired Western military technology after the Meiji Restoration, secured a victory against Joseon forces in Ganghwa Island, forcing Joseon to sign the Treaty of Ganghwa in 1876. Japan encroached upon Korean territory in search of fish, iron ore, and other natural resources. It also established a strong economic presence in the peninsula, heralding the beginning of Japanese imperialist expansion in East Asia. These events were the roots of Gojong's antipathy to the Japanese Empire.[1]

The Treaty of Ganghwa became the first unequal treaty signed between Korea and a foreign country; it gave extraterritorial rights to Japanese citizens in Korea and forced the Korean government to open three ports, Busan, Chemulpo (Incheon), and Wonsan, to Japanese and foreign trade. With the signing of such a lopsided treaty, Korea became easy prey for competing imperialistic powers, paving the way for Korea's annexation by Japan.[8]

### Imo Rebellion and Kapsin Coup

[edit]

See also: Imo Incident and Kapsin Coup

King Gojong began to rely on a new paid army (byeolgigun) of soldiers equipped with rifles. These new armies were requested by the Gaehwa Party and was supervised by Yun Ung-nyeol.[9] In contrast to the well-armed army, the old army had not received a salary for 13 months. The tattered army was finally paid one month's salary. Enraged, the old army sparked a riot, and the Daewongun seized power.[10] When the Imo Incident happened, Queen Min requested the Qing Empire for military support. On 27 June 1882, the Qing deployed about 3,000 soldiers in Seoul. They kidnapped the Daewongun on 7 July 1882, which led the Min family to regain political power.[11]

During the Imo incident when Queen Min was taking refuge in her relative's villa, Lady Seon-yeong of the Yeongwol Eom clan showed extreme devotion towards King Gojong. He rewarded her fealty by promoting her to the rank of Jimil Sanggung (5th senior rank of Women of the Internal Court).[12]

On 4 December 1884, five revolutionaries attempted a coup d'état by leading a small anti-old minister army to detain King Gojong and Queen Min. These revolutionaries tried to remove the Qing army from Korea.[13] The Kapsin Coup failed after 3 days. Some of its leaders, including Kim Okkyun, fled to Japan, and others were executed.

While suppressing this coup, Gojong actively invited Qing only to increase the Yuan Shikai's influence over Korea. Yet Gojong did try to maintain the independence of his nation. The Chinese even considered abdicating Gojong for consolidation of Qing influence in Korea. For Gojong, he believed that relying on to stronger powers was the best solution in the situation without neither army to guard him nor money. However, these decision never followed his own responsibility, ultimately poisoning his very own nation he intended to save.[14]

### Peasant revolts

[edit]

See also: Donghak Peasant Revolution

Widespread poverty presented significant challenges to the 19th century Joseon Dynasty. Starvation was rampant, and much of the populace lived in run-down shanties lined along dirt roads.[15] Famine, poverty, crushing taxes, and corruption among the ruling class, led to many notable peasant revolts in the 19th century.

In 1894, the Donghak Peasant Revolution took hold as an anti-government, anti-yangban, and anti-foreign campaign. One leading cause of the revolution was the tax system implemented by Queen Min. Gojong asked for the assistance from the Chinese and Japanese to crush the revolution. Yi Jun-yong and others coordinated with peasants to assassinate Gojong. However, the plot was leaked and the revolution failed.[1] Although the revolution ultimately failed, many of the peasants' grievances were later addressed with the Kabo Reform.

One of the biggest reforms in 1894 was abolishing the slave (nobi) system, which had existed as far back as the Gojoseon period.[16]

### Assassination of Queen Min

[edit]

Main article: Assassination of Empress Myeongseong

In 1895, Queen Min, posthumously elevated to Empress Myeongseong, was assassinated by Japanese agents. The Japanese minister to Korea, Miura Gorō, orchestrated the plot against her. A group of Japanese agents entered Gyeongbokgung in Seoul, which was under guard by Korean troops sympathetic to the Japanese, and the queen was killed in the palace. The queen had attempted to counter Japanese interference in Korea. She and her court were pro-Russian in the immediate run-up to the assassination.[17]

### Anti-Japanese sentiments in Korea

[edit]

In 1895 Japan won the First Sino-Japanese War, expanding its influence over the Korean government. The Kabo Reforms and the assassination of the queen stirred controversy in Korea, fomenting Korean anti-Japanese sentiment. Gojong's antipathy toward the Japanese intensified, and he turned to Russia as an ally by signing Russia–Korea Treaty of 1884. He sent many emissaries to Russian Empire.[1]

Some Confucian scholars, as well as peasants, formed over 60 successive righteous armies to fight for Korean freedom. These armies were preceded by the Donghak movement and succeeded by various Korean independence movements.

### Internal exile to the Russian legation

[edit]

See also: Gojong's internal exile to the Russian legation

Pro-Japanese government grew, while anti-Japanese politicians were either killed or fled for their survival after the Chun Sang Door Incident in 1895. Gojong perceived the need for refuge.[18][page needed]

On 11 February 1896, King Gojong and his crown prince fled from the Gyeongbokgung to the Russian legation in Seoul,[19] from where they governed for about one year, an event known as Gojong's internal exile to the Russian legation. Because of staying in the Russian legation many concessions of Korea were taken by Russia.[1] Gojong sent Min Young-hwan to the coronation of Nicholas II of Russia.[20] Min returned to Korea in October 1896 with Russian Army instructors. These instructors were able to train guards which enabled Gojong to return to palace in February 1897.[21]

## Emperor of Korea

[edit]

Portrait of Gojong (age 49), by Chae Yong-sin

### Coronation

[edit]

See also: Hwangudan § Creation

On 13 October 1897, Gojong declared himself Emperor of Korea in a ceremony at the newly constructed altar Hwangudan.[1] The name of the state was also changed to the Great Korean Empire,[22] and a new era name Gwangmu (광무; 光武; lit. shining and martial) was declared. This was a symbolic gesture to mark the end of Qing's suzerainty over Korea.[1] That same day, Gojong appointed Sunjong as the Imperial Crown Prince.[23]

### Consolidation of power and reforms

[edit]

When the Daewongun died in 1898, Emperor Gwangmu refused to attend the funeral of his father because of their poor relationship. But it was also reported that the emperor's cries could be heard when he looked over the palace wall.[24][25]

On 17 August 1899, Gojong enacted the Constitution of the Korean Empire, which granted him absolute power.[26] Despite this, Gojong still entertained the possibility of establishing a constitutional monarchy. He discussed proposals proposed by the reformist Independence Club and Gaehwa Party. However, his reforms were seen as insufficient by members of the Independence Club, which angered them. After rumors emerged, possibly spread by conservative politicians, that the Independence Club planned to abolish the empire and proclaim a republic, Gojong abolished them instead.[27]

Gojong was subjected to many assassination or abdication attempts. First in July 1898, Ahn Gyeong-su, the Minister of Military tried to abdicate Gojong.[1] Ahn was executed for conspiracy on 28 May 1900.[28] Second, on 12 September 1898, Kim Hong-rok tried to assassinate Gojong with by instilling poison in Gojong's coffee.[29] In 1904, some Korean students in Japan tried to make Gojong abdicate, and make Prince Imperial Ui the emperor.[30]

### Efforts to secure Korea's independence

[edit]

#### Military reforms

[edit]

Portrait of Gojong wearing Tongcheonggwan and Gangsapo Gojong and the Crown Prince Sunjong with their Pickelhaube

Gojong was acutely aware of Korea's, and especially its army's, need to modernize. Min Young-hwan brought on Russian instructors that were tasked with modernizing the army. Gojong was pleased with their work. In March 1898, the Russian instructors departed, and Gojong ordered the Ministry of Military to take over. By the request of the Minister of Military, Yi Jong-geon, a military academy was established in April 1898.[31] In order to command both the army and navy, Gojong appointed himself as the Grand Field Marshal of the Imperial Korean Armed Forces and the Crown Prince as Field Marshal on 29 June 1898.[32]

On 2 July 1898, Gojong assumed full control over the army.[31] A Board of Marshals was established on 1 August 1899,[33] which Gojong used to further his control.[34] In 1899, he bought weapons from various countries and sent many cadets to Imperial Japanese Army Academy. Meanwhile, he continued expanding the military. By July 1900, there were 17,000 men of the Jinwidae. In 1901, about 44 percent of the Empire's total revenue was used for the military.[31]

#### Diplomatic efforts

[edit]

Gojong also attempted to establish ties with other countries. For example, Yi Han-eung was sent to London in 1901 as the acting diplomatic minister to the United Kingdom. But Great Britain rebuffed Yi's overtures, and established the Anglo-Japanese Alliance in 1902. Yi killed himself in protest in May 1905.[35]

## Abdication

[edit]

Gojong wearing a western-style uniform (태황제 예복; 太皇帝 禮服). He wore it since the abdication of 1907.

On 2 July 1907, the information about the dispatch of the envoys reached the ears of Resident-General Itō Hirobumi at the time. Ito was experienced.[36][37]

> "If this envoy incident is based on a decree, it is believed to be a good opportunity to take decisive action regarding Korea. In other words, I believe it will be a good opportunity for us to have fiscal power, military power, or judicial power."

— Telegram sent by Resident-General Ito to the Japanese Foreign Minister at 2:00 a.m. on July 3, 1907, Document 4 of the Resident-General's Office.

On the previous day, the 6th, Song Pyŏngjun, a Minister of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry, made a demand to Emperor Gojong.

> "Either go to Japan yourself and apologize to the Emperor, or apologize to General Hasegawa in front of the Daehan Gate."

According to Japanese records, the former council meeting on this day lasted for two hours, during which the Prime Minister instead made a declaration of war and threatened the Emperor, while the Minister of Agriculture, Commerce and Industry pressured him to apologize in front of the palace.[36]

On 16 July, the pro-Japanese cabinet met with the Emperor and demanded that he sign the Eulsa Treaty as a measure to stabilize the country, apologize to the Japanese Emperor, and abdicate the throne. Gojong refused. On 17 July, Seoul was in turmoil. Wall posters appeared in Jongno and other places, saying, "Look at the Imjin War! Is it the result of the Queen's execution incident?" "The Japanese aggression is unstoppable and imminent." The cabinet once again demanded the Emperor's abdication. An enraged Gojong once again refused.[36]

On 18 July, a cabinet meeting lasted for two hours at Yi Wan-yong's residence. The agenda was the Emperor's abdication. The lackeys who received orders from Resident-General Ito Hirobumi announced the Emperor's abdication at 8 p.m. The area outside Gyeongun Palace was surrounded by the pro-Japanese organization Iljinhoe, led by Song Pyŏngjun.[a] The Emperor requested more time (帝答之以思數日而下批). The meeting, which ended at 10 p.m., resumed at 1 a.m. the next morning.

The details of this meeting are recorded in "Maechen Yarok" by Hwang Hyeon and "Daehan Gye-nyeon-sa" (A History of Late Korean Empire) written by Jung Gyo.[36]

> "Wan-yong and seven others entered. The Emperor refused (to abdicate). Wan-yong and Byeong-jun used disrespectful language countless times. Lee Byeong-mu threatened with a drawn sword (李秉武拔劒威嚇)."

— Jung Gyo, "Daehan Gye-nyeon-sa"

> "Yi Wan-yong drew his sword and shouted in a rough voice, 'Do you not understand what kind of world we are in right now?' People around tried to stab Yi Wan-yong with a sword, but the Emperor eventually waved him off and said, 'In that case, it would be better to step down first.'"

— Hwang Hyeon, "Maechen Yarok"

Yi Wan-yong and others withdrew. The overnight council meeting ended at 5 a.m. The attendants entered the meeting hiding pistols in their bosoms. The Minister of Justice Jo Jung-eung [ko] cut off all external telephone lines.[b][c]

On that day, Gojong declared that he would pass the throne to his son. The abdication ceremony took place the next day, 20 July. Gojong personally chose the date and added, "Follow the temporary regulations (權停例)."[d] The temporary regulations refer to a simplified ritual performed by the monarch without sitting on the throne. The Emperor's abdication ceremony took place without the presence of Gojong or Sunjong.[e][36]

The essential element for depriving of ruling power is the deprivation of military power. Yi Byeong-mu, who drew a sword against King Gojong and led the military's neutralization under the command of Ito, carried out the military disarmament. Four days later, the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1907 was announced. The key point was the dissolution of the Korean Empire's military. The secret provisions of the treaty included the following clauses: all military forces except the Royal Guards will be dissolved. Disbanded soldiers will be relocated to Gando and engaged in reclamation. They will also be engaged in reclamation in the desolate areas of the country. The person who announced the dissolution of the military was Prime Minister Yi Wan-yong, and the Minister of Defense, Yi Byeong-mu.[f][36]

On 19 July, when Emperor Gojong was being threatened, the royal guard unit, which was the palace guard, attempted to enter Gyeongun Palace.[g]

> "Yi Byeong-mu ordered General Jung Wi-jae, the commander of the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Regiment of the Capital Guards, to bring in 70 palace guards stationed outside the palace. When Jung Wi-jae refused, Hanmyeong, the commander of the palace guards, drew his sword and shouted at the military dictatorship to resist. The palace guards, wearing civilian clothes and carrying bayonets, entered the palace."

— From Daehan Gye-nyeon-sa

On that night, at that time, Yi Byeong-mu asked the Japanese for a favor, and if Jung Wi-jae continued to doubt him, he told him to take away his weapons.[h][36]

On 20 July 1907, Gojong was dethroned.[1] Some officials, such as Pak Yŏnghyo, and Yi Tojae, tried to assassinate the members of cabinet of Ye Wanyong, who led the abdication.[38] After abdicating, Emperor Gojong was confined to his palace Deoksugung, and the Japanese replaced him with his son, Sunjong.

In June 1910, Gojong tried to escape to Primorsky Krai in Russia and establish a government in exile, but he failed to do so.[39] On 22 August 1910, Korea was formally annexed by Japan. Gojong lost his imperial title, and was instead granted the title, "King Emeritus Yi of Deoksu" (徳寿宮李太王), and was recognized as a member of the imperial family of Japan. In 1915, Gojong again tried to flee from his confinement with the help of Sangsul, but failed.[40] In 1918, he made another attempt, this time with the goal of going to Beijing with Lee Hoe-yeong, but again failed.[41][42]

## Death and legacy

[edit]

Gojong's funeral procession (1 March 1919)

On 21 January 1919, Gojong died suddenly at Deoksugung at the age of 66. There was and still is speculation that Gojong had been poisoned by Japan [ko]. The idea first emerged and was widely circulated around the time of his death.[43]

His death and subsequent funeral proved a catalyst for the March First Movement for Korean independence from Japanese rule.[43] He is buried with his wife at the imperial tomb of Hongneung (홍릉; 洪陵), Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. The couple's grave is now considered a UNESCO World Heritage site, as part of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon dynasty.[44]

## Family

[edit]

* Father: Yi Ha-eung, Grand Internal Prince Heungseon (흥선대원군 이하응; 21 December 1820 – 22 February 1898)
* Grandfather: Yi Gu, Prince Namyeon (남연군 이구; 22 August 1788 – 19 March 1836)
* Grandmother: Princess Consort Min of the Yeoheung Min clan (군부인 여흥 민씨; 26 June 1788 – 1831)
* Adoptive father: Yi Yeong, King Munjo of Joseon (조선의 문조 이영; 18 September 1809 – 25 June 1830)
* Mother: Grand Internal Princess Consort Sunmok of the Yeoheung Min clan (순목부대부인 민씨; 3 February 1818 – 8 January 1898)
* Grandfather: Min Chi-gu (민치구; 1795 – 14 December 1874)
* Grandmother: Lady Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan (정경부인 전주 이씨; 1797 – 17 November 1873)
* Adoptive mother: Queen Sinjeong of the Pungyang Jo clan (신정왕후 조씨; 21 January 1809 – 4 June 1890)

Consort(s) and their respective issue

* Min Ja-yeong (민자영), Empress Myeongseong of the Yeoheung Min clan (명성황후 민씨; 17 November 1851 – 8 October 1895)[i]
* Prince Royal Yi Choi (원자 이최; 4 November 1871 – 8 November 1871), second son[j]
* Second daughter (3 February 1873 – 28 September 1873)
* Yi Cheok, the Yunghui Emperor (융희제 이척; 25 March 1874 – 24 April 1926), third son
* Yi Deol (이덜; 5 April 1875 – 18 April 1875), fourth son
* Yi Bu (이부; 18 February 1878 – 5 June 1878), sixth son
* Eom Seon-yeong (엄선영), Imperial Noble Consort Sunheon of the Yeongwol Eom clan (순헌황귀비 엄씨; 2 February 1854 – 20 July 1911)
* Yi Un, Crown Prince Uimin (의민태자 이은; 20 October 1897 – 1 May 1970), ninth son
* Yang Chun-gi (양춘기), Imperial Consort Gwi-in of Boknyeongdang Hall of the Cheongju Yang clan (복녕당 귀인 양씨; 27 September 1882 – 30 May 1929)
* Princess Deokhye (덕혜옹주; 25 May 1912 – 21 April 1989), fifth daughter
* Yi Sun-ah (이순아), Imperial Consort Gwi-in of Yeongbodang Hall of the Gyeongju Yi clan (영보당 귀인 이씨; 1843 – 17 December 1928)
* Yi Seon, Prince Wanhwa (완화군 이선; 16 April 1868 – 12 January 1880), first son
* Yi Eo (이어; 1871–1872), first daughter
* Imperial Consort Gwi-in of the Deoksu Jang clan (귀인 장씨; 1860–?)
* Yi Geung (이긍; 1875 – ?), third daughter
* Yi Kang, Prince Imperial Ui (의친왕 이강; 30 March 1877 – August 1955), fifth son
* Park Mi-suk (박미숙), Imperial Consort Gwi-in of the Hong clan (귀인 홍씨)
* Yi Ju-won (이주원; 1886–1929), seventh son
* Yi Ju-chan (이주찬; 1889–1926), eighth son
* Imperial Consort Gwi-in of Naeandang Hall of the Gyeongju Yi clan (내안당 귀인 이씨; 1847 – 13 February 1914)
* Fourth daughter (1879–1880)
* Imperial Consort Gwi-in of Bohyeondang Hall of the Haeju Jeong clan (보현당 귀인 정씨; 23 February 1882 – 1943)
* Yi U (이우; 20 August 1915 – 25 July 1916), tenth son
* Yi Wan-deok (이완덕), Imperial Consort Gwi-in of the Yi clan of Gwanghwadang Hall (광화당 귀인 이씨; 1885 – 10 November 1965)
* Yi Yuk (이육; 3 July 1914 – 22 January 1915), ninth son[k]
* Kim Ok-gi (김옥기), Lady Kim of Samchukdang Hall of the Andong Kim clan (삼축당 김씨; 1892 – 23 September 1970)
* Court Lady Kim of Jeonghwadang Hall of the Gwangsan Kim clan (정화당 상궁 김씨; 1864–?)
* Court Lady Yeom (상궁 염씨)
* Court Lady Seo (상궁 서씨; 1862–?)
* Kim Chung-yeon (김충연), Court Lady Kim (상궁 김씨; 1864–?)

## Honours

[edit]

Korean honours[citation needed]

* Founder and Sovereign of the Grand Order of the Golden Ruler – 17 April 1900
* Founder and Sovereign of the Grand Order of the Auspicious Stars – 12 August 1902
* Founder and Sovereign of the Grand Order of the Plum Blossoms – 17 April 1900
* Founder and Sovereign of the Order of the National Crest – 17 April 1900
* Founder and Sovereign of the Order of the Purple Falcon – 16 April 1901
* Founder and Sovereign of the Order of the Eight Trigrams – 16 April 1901
* Grand Cordon of the Grand Order of the Auspicious Phoenix – 1907

Foreign honours[citation needed]

* Italy: Grand Cross of the Order of Saints Maurice and Lazarus – 23 July 1895
* France: Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour – 23 July 1895
* Japan
* Grand Cordon of the Order of the Chrysanthemum – 23 March 1897[45]
* Korean Colonization Decoration – 1 August 1912[46]
* United Kingdom: Honorary Grand Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire – 17 December 1900[47]
* Spain: Grand Cross of the Order of Charles III, with Collar – 1900
* Belgium: Grand Cordon of the Royal Order of Leopold – 23 March 1901
* China: Order of the Double Dragon, Class I Grade I – 1 December 1903
* Russia: Knight of the Order of St. Stanislaus, 1st Class – 1 December 1903
* Denmark: Knight of the Order of the Elephant – 31 August 1903[48]
* German Empire: Knight of the Order of the Black Eagle – 20 March 1904

## Ancestry

[edit]

Ancestors of Emperor Gojong

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8\. Yi Byeong-won

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

| 4\. Yi Gu, Prince Namyeon|

|  |  |
| 9\. Lady Jeong of the Yeonil Jeong clan

| 2\. Heungseon Daewongun|

|  |  |  |  |
| 10\. Min Gyeong-hyeok

| 5\. Princess Consort Min|

|  |  |
| 11\. Lady Han of the Cheongju Han clan

| 1\. Emperor Gojong of Korea|
|  |  |  |  |  |  |
| 12\. Min Dan-hyeon

| 6\. Min Chi-gu|

|  |  |
| 13\. Lady Park Mal-yang

| 3\. Grand Internal Princess Consort Sunmok|

|  |  |  |  |
| 14\. Yi Ok of Deokheung

| 7\. Lady Yi, Princess of Deokheung|

|  |  |
| 15\. Lady Kim of the Gyeongju Kim clan

|  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |

## In popular culture

[edit]

* Portrayed by Lee Jin-woo and Lee Joon in the 2001–2002 KBS2 TV series Empress Myeongseong.
* Portrayed by Kim Young-min in the 2009 film The Sword with No Name.
* Portrayed by Choi Jong-hwan in the 2010 SBS TV series Jejungwon.
* Portrayed by Park Hee-soon in the 2012 film Gabi.
* Portrayed by Lee Min-woo in the 2014 KBS2 TV series Gunman in Joseon.
* Portrayed by Park Min-sang in the 2016 film The Map Against The World.
* Portrayed by Baek Yoon-sik in the 2016 film The Last Princess.
* Portrayed by Kang Yi-seok and Lee Seung-joon in the 2018 tvN TV series Mr. Sunshine.

## See also

[edit]

* History of Korea
* Rulers of Korea
* Society in the Joseon dynasty
* Heungseon Daewongun
* Empress Myeongseong (for politics 1873–1895)
* List of Head of State and Government deposed by foreign power in the 20th and 21st century

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ From "Newly Revised Korean History"
2. ^ From "Chosun Saekin-shi with Han-guk Gyeong-hap-chi"
3. ^ "Thousands of people gathered in front of the palace in the morning, and the shops closed and expressed condolences." (From a telegram from the Resident-General's Office, 2:45 p.m., 19 July 1907)
4. ^ From "The Annals of Gojong, July 19, 1907"
5. ^ "Thousands of people gathered in front of the palace in the morning, and the shops closed and expressed condolences." (From a telegram from the Resident-General's Office, 2:45 p.m., 19 July 1907)
6. ^ Daehan Maeil Shinbo, 2 August 1907
7. ^ According to a secret document sent by Ito, "There was clear evidence that King Gojong called in troops to the palace with the intention of killing the royal relatives at an appropriate opportunity."
8. ^ Maechen Yarok
9. ^ She was later given the posthumous title of Taehwanghu (태황후).
10. ^ He only lived for 4 days. Died from complications of imperforate anus.
11. ^ Other records, however, say that he lived from 1906 to 1908.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m 고종(高宗). Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
2. ^ 사료 고종시대사. 신정왕후, 대원군 부부의 봉작과 함께 대원군의 입궐 시 호위를 명함. db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
3. ^ 사료 고종시대사. 고종, 인정문에서 즉위함. db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
4. ^ 사료 고종시대사. 신정왕후, 대혼(大婚)을 민치록의 딸로 정할 것을 명함. db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
5. ^ 이하응(李昰應). Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 3 December 2021.
6. ^ "There is probably no place in the world in which intrigue is so rampant as in the Corean Capital. The Queen herself is said to exercise an enormous influence over the King, and, according to Corean reports, it is really she, and not the King, that rules Cho-sen. She is never either seen or heard of; and yet all the officials are frightened out of their lives if they think they have incurred her displeasure." Chapter X in Corea or Cho-sen, Land of the Morning Calm A. Henry Savage-Landor (1895) William Heinemann, London https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/13128/pg13128-images.html#LIST_OF_PLATES Retrieved 17 September 2023
7. ^ Yi 2014, pp. 103–106.
8. ^ Lee Jae-min (8 September 2010). "Treaty as prelude to annexation". The Korea Herald. Retrieved 26 July 2012.
9. ^ 신편 한국사. "(4) 신식 육군(별기군)의 창설(1881)". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
10. ^ 임오군란. terms.naver.com (in Korean). Retrieved 2 May 2021.
11. ^ 신편 한국사. "2) 개화파의 분화". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
12. ^ Yoon Hyo-jeong 《대한제국아 망해라》(박광희 국역, 다산초당, 2010) Pg. 337
13. ^ 갑신정변(甲申政變). Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 28 July 2022.
14. ^ EBSDocumentary (EBS 다큐) (13 April 2024). 조선 마지막 왕이자 대한제국의 초대 황제 고종, 조선을 망하게 한 고종은 진짜 무능한 왕이었을까?│휘청이는 조선시대 왕이 된 고종의 선택│다큐프라임│. Retrieved 6 June 2024 - via YouTube.
15. ^ Lankov, Andrei; Kim EunHaeng (2007). The Dawn of Modern Korea. 384-12 Seokyo-dong, Mapo District, Seoul, South Korea, 121-893: EunHaeng Namu. p. 47\. ISBN 978-89-5660-214-1.`{{cite book}}`: CS1 maint: location (link)
16. ^ 우리역사넷. contents.history.go.kr. Retrieved 12 February 2022.
17. ^ Encyclopaedia Korea its land, people and culture of all ages (1960) Hakwon-sa Ltd under Opening of Yi Chosun (1875–1910), After the Sino-Japanese War, Russian Influence at page 80-81
18. ^ 신, 명호 (20 April 2009). 왕을 위한 변명 (in Korean). 김영사. ISBN 978-89-349-5462-0.
19. ^ Veritable Records of Joseon Dynasty. 러시아 공사관으로 주필을 이어하다. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
20. ^ 조선/대한제국 관보 (3 April 1896). "赴俄公使閔泳煥隨員尹致昊參書官金得鍊金道一이本月一日上午八時에出發홈". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 18 July 2022.
21. ^ Yi 2014, p. 107.
22. ^ Veritable Records of Joseon Dynasty. 국호를 대한으로 하고 임금을 황제로 칭한다고 선포하다. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
23. ^ 사료 고종시대사. 고종, 황태자를 책봉한 뒤 신하들에게 문안 인사를 받음. db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 26 July 2022.
24. ^ 우리곁에 살아 있는 역사의 맥박과 숨결 월간조선 2001년 3월호
25. ^ 나각순, 승상배, 이창훈, 《운현궁과 흥선대원군》 (종로문화원, 2000) 207페이지
26. ^ 대한국국제(大韓國國制). Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
27. ^ 독립협회(獨立協會). Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
28. ^ Veritable Records of Joseon Dynasty. 이유인은 자신의 사적인 감정으로 안경수 등을 교형에 처했음을 아뢰다. Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
29. ^ 김홍륙독차사건(金鴻陸毒茶事件). Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
30. ^ Journal of the Royal Secretariat. 모반 죄인 장호익 등을 처형하고 체차해 주기를 청하는 중추원 의관 안종덕의 상소. db.itkc.or.kr. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
31. ^ a b c 신편한국사. "(1) 군제개혁의 방향". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
32. ^ 사료 고종시대사. 광무 황제, 직접 대원수가 되어 육해군을 통솔하고 황태자를 원수로 삼겠다는 조령을 내림. db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
33. ^ 조선·대한제국 관보. "元帥府官制中改正件". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
34. ^ 신편한국사. "(2) 원수부를 통한 황제권 강화". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
35. ^ Lee, Sang-eon; Kang, Jin-kyu (3 November 2013). "London landmark of key diplomat forgotten". Korea JoongAng Daily. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
36. ^ a b c d e f g Park Jong-in (19 July 2020). [박종인의 땅의 歷史] 1907년 남대문, 누가 박승환 대대장을 죽였나 [[Park Jong-in's Land History] Namdaemun, 1907, who killed Battalion Commander Park Seung-hwan?] (in Korean). Chosun.
37. ^ {{ |last=Bay |first=gyeong yoong |date=2007 |script-title=ko:헤이그특사 사건과 일본의 대응 |trans-title=The Hague Incident and Japan's Response |url=https://www.kci.go.kr/kciportal/ci/sereArticleSearch/ciSereArtiView.kci?sereArticleSearchBean.artiId=ART001227726 |volume= |pages=230 |via=DBpia}}
38. ^ Records of the Japanese Legation in Korea. "(18) [한국 주재 외신기자가 외국 신문사와 發·受信한 通牒 전보내용 보고 件]".
39. ^ 외교통상부 (2003). 이범진의 생애와 항일독립운동. pp. 223–224.
40. ^ Park 2019, p. 103.
41. ^ Park 2019, pp. 113–114.
42. ^ Seth, Michael J. (16 October 2010). A History of Korea: From Antiquity to the Present. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. ISBN 9780742567177.
43. ^ a b Neff, Robert (5 March 2019). "Emperor's death leads to independence movement". The Korea Times. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
44. ^ "Imperial tombs look back on final days of Joseon". Korea.net. 8 January 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
45. ^ 刑部芳則 (2017). 明治時代の勲章外交儀礼 (PDF) (in Japanese). 明治聖徳記念学会紀要. p. 149.
46. ^ 조선총독부 관보. "大正元年8月1日". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 4 July 2022.
47. ^ Shaw, Wm. A. (1906) The Knights of England, I, London, p. 403
48. ^ Jørgen Pedersen (2009). Riddere af Elefantordenen, 1559–2009 (in Danish). Syddansk Universitetsforlag. p. 466\. ISBN 978-87-7674-434-2.

## Bibliography

[edit]

* Yi, Seoung-hyeon (2014). 민영환의 '殉國' 담론에 대한 고찰. 江原史學. 26: 99–146.
* Park, Gul-sun (2019). "A Comparison between the Independence Movement Theory and the Independence Movement of Hoeyeong Lee and Sangseol Lee" 이회영(李會榮)과 이상설(李相卨)의 독립운동론과 독립운동 비교. 동북아역사논총. 64 (64). doi:10.23037/dyn.2019..64.003 - via KCI.

## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Gojong of the Korean Empire.

* "Essays Trace US, Japan Roles in Joseon's Downfall" Korea Times, June 13, 2008

Gojong of Korea

House of Yi

Born: 25 July 1852 Died: 21 January 1919

Regnal titles
Preceded by

Cheoljong

|  King of Joseon
21 January 1864 – 13 October 1897
with Heungseon Daewongun (1864–1873)
Empress Myeongseong (1873–1895) | Elevated to Emperor
Elevated to Emperor  |  Emperor of Korea
13 October 1897 – 19 July 1907  | Succeeded by

Yunghui Emperor

Royal titles
New title

Korea under Japanese rule

|  King Emeritus Yi
(Deoksugung)
29 August 1910 – 21 January 1919  | Vacant

* v
* t
* e

House of Yi

* List of Monarchs
* Kings of Joseon
* Emperor of Korea
* King Yi
* Genealogy
* Jeonju Yi clan
* Royal Family Association

* Kingdom of Joseon and Korean Empire (1392–1910)

Posthumous[note 1]|

* Mokjo (1392)
* Ikjo (1392)
* Dojo (1392)
* Hwanjo (1392)
* Deokjong (1475)
* Wonjong (1634)
* Jinjong (1776)
* Jangjo (1899)
* Munjo (1834)

King of Joseon
(1392–1897)|

* Taejo (1392–1398)
* Jeongjong (1398–1400)
* Taejong (1400–1418)
* Sejong (1418–1450)
* Munjong (1450–1452)
* Danjong (1452–1455)
* Sejo (1455–1468)
* Yejong (1468–1469)
* Seongjong (1469–1494)
* Yeonsan# (1494–1506)
* Jungjong (1506–1544)
* Injong (1544–1545)
* Myeongjong (1545–1569)
* Seonjo (1569–1608)
* Gwanghae# (1608–1623)
* Injo (1623–1649)
* Hyojong (1649–1659)
* Hyeonjong (1659–1674)
* Sukjong (1674–1720)
* Gyeongjong (1720–1724)
* Yeongjo (1724–1776)
* Jeongjo (1776–1800)
* Sunjo (1800–1834)
* Heonjong (1834–1849)
* Cheoljong (1849–1864)
* Gojong (1864–1897)

Emperor of Korea
(1897–1910)|

* Gojong (1897–1907)
* Sunjong (1907–1910)

Crown Prince[note 2]|

* Yi Bang-seok (1392–1398)
* Grand Prince Yangnyeong (1404–1418)
* Uigyeong (1455–1457)
* Yi Hwang (1502–1506)
* Sunhoe (1557–1563)
* Yi Ji (1608–1623)
* Sohyeon (1625–1645)
* Hyojang (1725–1728)
* Sado (1736–1762)
* Uiso (1751–1752)
* Munhyo (1784–1786)
* Hyomyeong (1812–1830)
* Uimin (1907–1910)

Daewongun[note 3]|

* Deokheung (1569)
* Jeongye (1849)
* Heungseon (1864)

Rival king|

* Heungan (1624)

* Korea under Japanese rule (1910–1945)

King Yi[note 4]
(1910–1947)|

| King Emeritus
(Deoksugung)|

* Yi Hui (1910–1919)

|

King
(Changdeokgung)|

* Yi Cheok (1910–1926)
* Yi Un (1926–1947)

Crown Prince|

* Yi Un (1910)
* Yi Ku (1931)

* Post-World War II (1945–present)

Director of the
Royal Family Association
(1957–)|

| In office|

* Yi Un (1966)
* Yi Ku (1973)
* Yi Won (2007)

|

Posthumous
recognition|

* Yi Kang

Pretenders|

* Yi Seok (2005–2021/2022)
* Andrew Lee (entrepreneur) (2021/2022-present)
* Yi Hae-won (2006–2020)

* # denotes that the king was deposed and never received a temple name.

1. ^ Those who were listed were not reigning monarchs but posthumously recognized; the year following means the year of recognition.
2. ^ Only the crown princes that did not become the king were listed; the former year indicates when one officially became the heir and the latter one is that when one died/deposed. Those who ascended to the throne were excluded in the list for simplification.
3. ^ The title given to the biological father, who never reigned, of the kings who were adopted as the heir to a precedent king.
4. ^ The de jure monarch of Korea during the era was the Emperor of Japan, while the former Korean emperors were given nobility title "King Yi" instead.

* v
* t
* e

Kings Yi & Dukes Yi of Korea (李王・李公, 1910–1947)

King Emeritus Yi of
Deoksu Palace|

* Yi Hui (1910–1919)

King Yi of
Changdeok Palace|

* Yi Cheok (1910–1926)
* Yi Un (1926–1947)

Queen consort Yi
of Changdeok Palace|

* Yun-ssi, Queen consort of Yi Cheok (1910–1926)
* Bangja, Queen consort of Yi Un (1926–1947)

| Queen dowager of Yi|

* Yun-ssi, Queen dowager of Yi (1926–1947)

|

Crown Princess of Yi|

* Bangja, Crown Princess of Yi (1920–1926)

Crown Prince of Yi|

* Yi Un (1910–1926)
* Yi Ku (1931–1947)

Dukes of Yi|

| Duke Yi Hui|

* Duke Yi Hui (1910–1912)
* Duke Yi Jun (1912–1917)
* Duke Yi U (1917–1945)
* Duke Yi Cheong (1945－1947)

| Duchess consort|

* Yi-ssi, Duchess consort of Yi Hui (1910)
* Kim-ssi, Duchess consort of Yi Jun (1912)
* Chan-ju, Duchess consort of Yi U (1935)

|

Duke Yi Kang|

* Yi Kang (1910–1930)
* Yi Geon (1930–1947)

| Duchess consort|

* Kim-ssi, Duchess consort of Yi Kang (1910)
* Seiko, Duchess consort of Yi Geon [ja] (1931)

|

See also House of Yi

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* 2
* FAST
* WorldCat

National|

* United States
* France
* BnF data
* Japan
* Netherlands
* Korea

Other|

* IdRef
* Yale LUX

*[m.]: married
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template
*[lit.]: literal translation