Sunjong of Korea

Sunjong was the second 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 (Korean: 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 Japanese coercion, and Sunjong was made emperor of Korea. He was proclaimed heir to the throne of Prince Imperial Yeong (Korean: 영친왕; Hanja: 英親王), the younger brother of Sunjong, and moved from Deoksugung Palace to the imperial residence at Changdeokgung Palace.[1]

Sunjong's reign was limited by the gradually increasing armed intervention of the Japanese government in Korea. In July 1907, he was proclaimed emperor of Korea but was immediately forced to enter into the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907 (Korean: 한일신협약, 정미7조약; Hanja: 韓日新協約, 丁未七條約). This treaty allowed the Japanese government to supervise and intervene in the administration and governance of Korea, which also allowed for the appointment of Japanese ministers within the government.[2]

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 (Korean: 기유각서; Hanja: 己酉覺書) which effectively removed Korea's judicial power. Meanwhile, Japan dispatched Itō Hirobumi, Japanese Resident-General of Korea, to negotiate with Russia over problems involving Korea and Manchuria. However, Itō was assassinated by Ahn Jung-geun at Harbin, which led to the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910. 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.[3][4]

Although still existent on paper, the intervention by the Japanese government effectively ended Sunjong's reign over the Korean Empire and he became essentially powerless within three years of ruling. Japan, in effect, abolished the Korean Empire on August 29, 1910, ending 519 years of the Joseon dynasty.[5]

• 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 (transcription: Daehan Jeguk Sunjong Munon Muryeong Donin Seonggyeong Hwangje Pyeha)
• 大韓帝國純宗文溫武寧敦仁誠敬皇帝陛下

•  Korea: Founder of the Order of the Auspicious Phoenix
•  Japan: Collar of the Order of the Chrysanthemum
•  Belgium: Grand Cordon of the Royal Order of Leopold

• 
  Emperor Gojong and the Crown Prince Sunjong
• 
  Sunjong wearing Court uniform and dress in the Empire of Japan and Japanese honors
• 
  Sunjong wearing Court uniform and dress of the Empire of Japan, Japanese honors and Collar of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum

• Portrayed by Ahn Sang-woo in the 2016 film The Last Princess.

• List of Korea-related topics
• History of Korea
• Korean Empire
• Rulers of Korea
• House of Yi