Grand Prince Neungchang

Prince Nŭngch'ang (; 16 July 1599 – 17 November 1615), formally known as Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang , and with the personal name Yi Jeon , was a Korean royal prince of the Joseon dynasty. He was the third son of Wonjong of Joseon and Queen Inheon of the Neungseong Gu clan. He was also the second younger brother of Injo of Joseon. Prince Nŭngch'ang was noted for his proficiency in equestrianism, martial arts, and particularly in archery.

Biography Early life The future Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang was born on 16 July 1599 (the 32nd year of Seonjo of Joseon's reign) in Saemun-ri, Seongseo, Hanseong-bu, Joseon. He was the youngest son of Prince Jeongwon and Princess Consort Yeonju of the Neungseong Gu clan , the daughter of Gu Sa-maeng .

Although he was the biological son of Prince Jeongwon, he was later adopted by his second uncle, Prince Sinseong , who had no heirs. He was raised by his adoptive mother, Princess Consort Sin , the daughter of Sin Rip .

From a young age, Prince Nŭngch'ang was described as intelligent, talented, and of good appearance. He enjoyed reading and was nicknamed Hyeongongja (, meaning "virtuous young master"). In 1601, at the age of three, he was granted the title Master Nŭngch'ang . In 1612, at the age of fourteen, he was elevated to the title Prince Nŭngch'ang .

During Gwanghaegun of Joseon's reign

During the reign of his half-uncle, Gwanghaegun of Joseon, rumours circulated that Prince Nŭngch'ang harboured ambitions for the throne and posed a threat to Gwanghaegun's rule. In 1608, following Gwanghaegun’s ascension to the throne and the death of Yu Yeong-gyeong in prison, Prince Nŭngch'ang was granted the title of Jeongunwonjong gongsin, rank 1 . Later, in 1613 (the fifth year of Gwanghaegun's reign), after Prince Imhae was imprisoned, he was awarded the title of Iksawonjong gongsin, rank 1 .

On 14 August 1615, there was speculation that Gwanghaegun intended to elevate him to the title of Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang . However, on 22 August 1615, Gwanghaegun ordered his arrest. After questioning him at Injeongmun , the prince was imprisoned and subsequently exiled to Gyodong-do, Ganghwa. During Injo's reign, Prince Nŭngch'ang, along with Gim Je-nam , Grand Prince Yeongchang , and Yi Tae-gyeong, Prince Jilleung , was posthumously reinstated.

Prince Nŭngch'ang was initially honoured with the posthumous title of Gadeokdaebu . On 15 October 1629 (the seventh year of Injo’s reign), he was further elevated to Hyeollokdaebu .

In 1630, after his parents were posthumously granted the titles of Grand Internal Prince and Grand Internal Princess Consort , Prince Nŭngch'ang was elevated to the status of Grand Prince on 4 May 1632 (the tenth year of Injo's reign). He shared the same title name as Yi Suk, Prince Nŭngch'ang (? – 30 November 1768), who was the son of Yi Yeon, Prince Hwasan and grandson of Yi Geon, Prince Haewon . Yi Suk was also the son of Yi Gong, Prince Inseong , an illegitimate son of King Seonjo. Therefore, Prince Nŭngch'ang (Yi Suk) was also a descendant of Prince Nŭngch'ang (Yi Jeon).

In popular culture Portrayed by Lee Seok-min in the 2003 SBS television series The King's Woman.