Sunjong of Korea

Sunjong, the Emperor Yunghui (Hangul: 융희제; Hanja: 隆熙帝; RR: Yunghuije; MR: Yunghŭije; 25 March 1874 – 24 April 1926), was the second and the last Emperor of Korea, of the Yi dynasty, ruling from 1907 until 1910.

Sunjong was the fourth son of Emperor Gojong and Empress Myeongseong. When he was two years old, Sunjong was proclaimed the crown prince. In 1882, he married a daughter of the Min clan, who later became Empress Sunmyeonghyo (Hangul: 순명효황후; Hanja: 純明孝皇后).

The Korean Empire was established in 1897, and Sunjong became the imperial crown prince. In July 1907, Gojong was deposed as a result of coercion by Japanese Imperialism, and Sunjong was made emperor of Korea. He was proclaimed heir to the throne of Prince Imperial Yeong (Hangul: 영친왕; Hanja: 英親王), the younger brother of Sunjong, and moved from Deoksugung Palace to the imperial residence at Changdeokgung Palace.

Sunjong ruled for just three years. His reign was limited by the gradual armed intervention of the Japanese in Korea. In July 1907, he became emperor and was immediately forced to enter into the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1907 (Hangul: 한일신협약, 정미7조약; Hanja: 韓日新協約, 丁未七條約). This allowed the Japanese to supervise and intervene in the administration of Korea, which also allowed for the appointment of Japanese ministers within the government.

While under Japanese supervision, the Korean army was dismissed on the pretext of lack of public finance regulations. In 1909, Japan implemented the Japan-Korea Protocol (Hangul: 기유각서; Hanja: 己酉覺書) which effectively removed Korea's judicial power. Meanwhile, Japan dispatched Ito Hirobumi, Japanese Resident-General of Korea, to negotiate with Russia over problems involving Korea and Manchuria. However, Ito was assassinated by Ahn Jung-geun at Harbin, which led to the Japanese occupation of Korea. Pro-Japanese politicians, such as Song Byung-jun and Lee Wan-yong, defected, merging Korea with Japan by fabricating Korea's willingness and establishing the Japan–Korea Annexation Treaty on August 29, 1910.

This effectively ended Sunjong's reign. Japan then abolished the Korean Empire, ending 519 years of the Joseon dynasty.

After abdication

After the annexation treaty, the former Emperor Sunjong and his wife, Empress Sunjeong, lived the rest of their lives virtually imprisoned in Changdeokgung Palace in Seoul. Sunjong could not exercise any power as emperor because there were only pro-Japanese politicians in government. After the Korean Empire collapsed, Sunjong was demoted from emperor to king. Japan allowed him the title of King Yi of Changdeok Palace (Hangul: 창덕궁 이왕; Hanja: 昌德宮 李王) and allowed for the title to be inherited.

Sunjong died on April 24, 1926, in Changdeokgung and is buried with his two wives at the imperial tomb of Yureung (유릉, 裕陵) in the city of Namyangju. His state funeral on June 10, 1926, was a catalyst for the June 10th Movement against Japanese rule.

• Father: Emperor Gojong (고종)
• Mother: Empress Myeongseong of the Yeoheung Min clan (명성황후 민씨, 1851–1895)
• Consorts:

1. Empress Sunmyeong of the Yeoheung Min clan (순명황후 민씨, 1872–1904) – born to Min Tae-ho, leader of the Yeoheung Min clan; relative of Empress Myeongseong. She died before her husband was enthroned.
2. Empress Sunjeong of the Haepyeong Yun clan (순정황후 윤씨, 1894–1966) – daughter of Marquis Yun Taek-yeong.

• His Imperial Majesty Emperor Sunjong Munon Muryeong Donin Seonggyeong of Korea
• 대한제국순종문온무령돈인성경황제폐하
• 大韓帝國純宗文溫武寧敦仁誠敬皇帝陛下
• Daehan Jeguk Sunjong Munon Muryeong Donin Seonggyeong Hwangje Pyeha