Sunjo of Joseon

Sunjo (; 29 July 1790 – 13 December 1834), personal name Yi Hong, was the 23rd monarch of the Joseon. He ascended to the throne at the age of 10, upon the death of his father, King Jeongjo. His reign was marked by the persecution of Catholics and his failed attempts at reforms that resulted in riots, notably Hong Kyŏngnae's Rebellion. Following the establishment of the Korean Empire, he was honored as Emperor Suk.

Biography In 1802, aged 12, King Sunjo married Lady Kim (posthumously Queen Sunwon), daughter of Kim Jo-sun, who was a leader of the Andong Kim clan.

Since he ascended to the throne at a young age, Queen Dowager Yesun, the second wife of his great-grandfather King Yeongjo, ruled as regent, which allowed her to wield power over state affairs. Queen Dowager Yesun's influence was to such extent that during Sunjo's reign, the status of Lady Hyegyŏng, the biological grandmother of Sunjo, became a point of contention. During Jeongjo's reign, Lady Hyegyŏng was treated with respect and as the mother of King Jeongjo despite the fact that Lady Hyegyŏng was the wife of Crown Prince Sado, who had been executed during Yeongjo's reign, which greatly affected Lady Hyegyŏng's status. Following Sunjo's ascension, her status was lowered and his efforts to reverse this later in his reign were unsuccessful.

Despite Sunjo's efforts to reform politics, the fundamental principles of governing deteriorated. The state examination became disordered and corruption in the government administration prevailed. This resulted in disorder in society and various riots broke out among the people, including the rebellion by Hong Kyŏngnae in 1812. The oppression against Catholicism began in earnest during this period.

In 1811, the last diplomatic envoys were sent by Joseon to Japan. Based on records of that trip, a reconstruction of the diplomatic vessel has been made for the National Maritime Museum of Korea.

King Sunjo died at the age of 44, after reigning for 34 years. He was first buried next to Jangneung, the tomb of King Injo and Queen Inryeol in Paju, but was later moved to Seoul as the feng shui of the old site was deemed to be unfavorable.

Family

Father: King Jeongjo (; 28 October 1752 – 18 August 1800) Biological grandfather: King Jangjo (; 13 February 1735 – 12 July 1762) Adoptive grandfather: King Jinjong (; 4 April 1719 – 16 December 1728) Biological grandmother: Queen Heongyeong , of the Pungsan Hong clan (; 6 August 1735 – 1 January 1816) Adoptive grandmother: Queen Hyosun , of the Pungyang Jo clan (; 8 January 1716 – 31 December 1751) Biological mother: Concubine Su , of the Bannam Park clan (; 1 June 1770 – 6 February 1823) Grandfather: Park Jun-won (; 1739–1807) Grandmother: Lady, of the Wonju Won clan (; 1740–1783) Adoptive mother: Queen Hyoui , of the Cheongpung Kim clan (; 25 December 1753 – 29 March 1821) Consort(s) and their respective issue Queen Sunwon , of the (new) Andong Kim clan (; 8 June 1789 – 21 September 1857) Yi Yeong , Crown Prince Hyomyeong (; 18 September 1809 – 25 June 1830), first son Princess Myeongon (; 9 November 1810 – 10 July 1832), first daughter Princess Bokon (; 24 November 1818 – 10 June 1832), third daughter Unnamed son (23 February – 26 May 1820) Princess Deokon (; 27 July 1822 – 9 July 1844), fourth daughter Yi Byeon , King Cheoljong (; 25 July 1831 – 16 January 1864), adopted son Sugui , of the Miryang Park clan (? – 24 July 1854) Princess Yeongon (; 19 November 1817 – 10 May 1829), second daughter

Ancestry

In popular culture Portrayed by Kim Seung-soo in the 2016 KBS2 TV series Love in the Moonlight.