Jeongjong of Joseon

This article is about 2nd ruler of the Joseon dynasty. For the 3rd ruler of the Goryeo dynasty, see Jeongjong, 3rd monarch of Goryeo. For the 10th ruler of the Goryeo dynasty, see Jeongjong, 10th monarch of Goryeo.

Not to be confused with Jungjong of Joseon or Jeongjo of Joseon.

Jeongjong of Joseon (1 July 1357 – 26 September 1419), personal name Yi Bang-gwa (Korean: 이방과; Hanja: 李芳果), later Yi Gyeong (Korean: 이경; Hanja: 李曔), was the second ruler of the Joseon dynasty of Korea. He was the second son of King Taejo, the founder of the dynasty. Before rising to power, he was known as Prince Yeongan (Korean: 영안군; Hanja: 永安君).

Jeongjong of Joseon 朝鮮定宗 조선 정종
King Emeritus^[1] of Joseon
Tenure	13 November 1400 – 26 September 1419
Successor	Taejong
King of Joseon
Reign	5 September 1398 – 13 November 1400
Coronation	Geunjeongjeon Hall, Gyeongbok Palace
Predecessor	Taejo
Successor	Taejong
Regent	Prince Jeongan (1398–1400)
Crown Prince of Joseon
Tenure	26 August 1398 – 5 September 1398
Predecessor	Crown Prince Yi Bang-seok
Successor	Crown Prince Yi Bang-won
Born	Yi Bang-gwa (이방과; 李芳果) 1 July 1357 Yi Seong-gye's private residence, Dongbuk-myeon, Goryeo (present-day Hamhŭng, South Hamgyŏng Province, North Korea)
Died	26 September 1419(1419-09-26) (aged 62) Indeok Palace, Hanseong, Joseon
Burial	Huneung Mausoleum, North Hwanghae Province, North Korea
Spouse(s)	Queen Jeongan ​ (died 1412)​
Era name and dates Used the era name of the Ming dynasty: Hongmu (Hongwu) (홍무; 洪武): 1398 Geonmun (Jianwen) (건문; 建文): 1399–1400 Posthumous name Joseon: King Gongjeong Uimun Jangmu Onin Sunhyo the Great 공정의문장무온인순효대왕 懿文莊武溫仁順孝大王 Ming dynasty: Gongjeong (공정; 恭靖) Temple name Jeongjong (정종; 定宗)
Clan	Jeonju Yi clan
Dynasty	House of Yi
Father	Taejo of Joseon
Mother	Queen Sinui
Religion	Korean Buddhism → Korean Confucianism (Neo-Confucianism)
Military career
Allegiance	Goryeo  Joseon
Years of service	1376–1398
Rank	Commander of the Middle Army
Commands held	The Three Military Divisions (Taejo's Guard Corps) The Three Military Divisions The Middle Army
Battles/wars	Waegu subjugation Jirisan Mountain, Jeolla Province (1377) Haeju, Hwanghae Province (1389) Dogosan Mountain, Yeongju, Yanggwang Province (1390) Munhwa County, Hwanghae Province (1393) Yeongnyeong County, Pyongan Province (1393)

Korean name
Hangul	정종
Hanja	定宗
Revised Romanization	Jeongjong
McCune–Reischauer	Chŏngjong
Birth name
Hangul	이방과, later 이경
Hanja	李芳果, later 李曔
Revised Romanization	I Banggwa, later I Gyeong
McCune–Reischauer	Yi Panggwa, later Yi Kyŏng
Courtesy name
Hangul	광원
Hanja	光遠
Revised Romanization	Gwangwon
McCune–Reischauer	Kwangwŏn

Biography

Born in 1357 as the second son of Yi Seong-gye and his first wife Lady Han, he was a prudent, generous, brave, and able military officer. During the latter days of the declining Goryeo dynasty, Jeongjong followed his father to various battlefronts and fought at his side. When his father became king in 1392, he became prince.

King Taejo had two wives—the first one, who gave birth to six sons including Jeongjong, died before Taejo was crowned. The second wife was Lady Gang, with whom he had two sons. The king favored his youngest son, whose mother was Lady Gang. Chief State Councillor Jeong Do-jeon also backed him as the successor to the throne, causing much disappointment for the other princes. In 1398, King Taejo's fifth son, Yi Bang-won, who later would become King Taejong, led a coup along with many military officers and killed his two younger half-brothers, Jeong Do-jeon, and many of his faction. Yi Bang-won first tried to show that he was not interested in taking the throne, so he gave a push to his older brother Yi Bang-gwa (who was also the oldest by then), to be the crown prince. King Taejo was upset and abdicated in disgust, and Jeongjong became the second king of Joseon. The same year he moved the capital back to Gaegyeong, the old Goryeo capital.

In 1400, a conflict broke out between Yi Bang-won and his older brother, Yi Bang-gan. Yi Bang-won's force attacked and defeated that of Bang-gan's, who was then sent into exile along with his family. General Park Bo, who persuaded Bang-gan into rebellion, was executed. King Jeongjong, knowing that he was a mere political figurehead for his younger brother Bang-won, appointed him as a crown prince, and abdicated months later.

He was an able, wise administrator even though his short reign was marked by bloodshed within the royal family. He banned all kinds of private troops on the advice of Crown Prince Bang-won. He died in 1419, and was buried alongside his wife, Queen Jeongan. The tomb is known as Huneung (후릉), and is located near Kaesong, in North Korea.

Family

• Father: King Taejo of Joseon (조선 태조) (4 November 1335 – 27 June 1408)^[2]
  • Grandfather: Yi Ja-chun, King Hwanjo of Joseon (조선 환조 이자춘) (1315 – 1 January 1361)
  • Grandmother: Queen Uihye of the Yeongheung Choe clan (의혜왕후 최씨)
• Mother: Queen Sinui of the Cheongju Han clan (신의왕후 한씨) (September 1337 – 21 October 1391)
  • Grandfather: Han Gyeong, Internal Prince Ancheon (안천부원군 한경)
  • Grandmother: Lady Shin of the Saknyeong Shin clan (삭녕 신씨)^[3]

Consorts and their respective issue(s):^[4]

1. Queen Jeongan of the Gyeongju Gim clan (정안왕후 김씨) (22 January 1355 – 2 August 1412)^[5][6] — No issue.
2. Royal Noble Consort Seong of the Chungju Ji clan (성빈 지씨)^[7]
   1. Yi Hu-saeng, Prince Deokcheon (덕천군 이후생) (1397 – 1465), eleventh son^[8]
   2. Yi Mal-saeng, Prince Dopyeong (도평군 이말생) (1402 – ?), thirteenth son^[9]
3. Royal Consort Suk-ui of the Chungju Ji clan (숙의 지씨) (? – 1457)^[7][10]
   1. Yi Won-saeng, Prince Uipyeong (의평군 이원생) (? – 1461), second son^[11][12][13]
   2. Yi Mu-saeng, Prince Seonseong (선성군 이무생) (10 December 1396 – 7 July 1460), fifth son^[14]
   3. Yi Ho-saeng, Prince Imseong (임성군 이호생) (? – 1460), twelfth son^[15][16][17]
   4. Princess Hamyang (함양옹주), first daughter^{[18][19][20][21]}
4. Royal Consort Suk-ui of the Haengju Gi clan (숙의 기씨) (? – 1457)^[22]
   1. Yi Gun-saeng, Prince Sunpyeong (순평군 이군생) (? – 1456), third son^[23][24]
   2. Yi Ui-saeng, Prince Geumpyeong (금평군 이의생) (? – 1435), fourth son^[25]
   3. Princess Sukshin (숙신옹주) (1401 – ?), second daughter^[26]
   4. Princess Deokcheon (덕천옹주), third daughter^[27][19][28]
   5. Princess Goseong (고성옹주), fourth daughter^{[29][30][19][31][32]}
   6. Yi Yung-saeng, Prince Jeongseok (정석군 이융생) (1409 – 1464), fifteenth son^[33]
   7. Yi Seon-saeng, Prince Murim (무림군 이선생) (1410 – 1475), sixteenth son^[34]
   8. Princess Sangwon (상원옹주), fifth daughter^{[35][19][36][37]}
   9. Princess Jeonsan (전산옹주), sixth daughter^{[38][39][19][40][41]}
5. Royal Consort Suk-ui of the Nampyeong Mun clan (숙의 문씨)
   1. Yi Gwi-saeng, Prince Jongui (종의군 이귀생) (1393 – 1451), fifth son^[42]
6. Royal Consort Suk-ui of the Haepyeong Yun clan (숙의 윤씨) (1368 – 1417)^[43]
   1. Yi Deok-saeng, Prince Sudo (수도군 이덕생) (? – 1449), sixth son^[44]
   2. Yi Nok-saeng, Prince Imeon (임언군 이녹생) (1399 – 1450), ninth son^[45][46]
   3. Yi Bok-saeng, Prince Seokbo (석보군 이복생) (? – 1447), tenth son^[47]
   4. Yi Bo-saeng, Prince Jangcheon (장천군 이보생), fourteenth son^[48]
   5. Princess Incheon (인천옹주) (1401 – ?), seventh daughter^[19][49][50]
   6. Princess Haman (함안옹주), eighth daughter^[19][51][52]
7. Royal Consort Suk-ui of the Pyeongchang Yi clan (숙의 이씨) (? – 1443)
   1. Yi Jong-saeng, Prince Jinnam (진남군 이종생) (1406 – 1470), seventh son^[53]
8. Royal Lady Gaui of the Yu clan (가의궁주 유씨)
   1. Yi Bul-no (이불노) (1388 – 1410) — Unacknowledged first son
9. Cho Gung-jang (초궁장)^[54]

Ancestry

Ancestors of Jeongjong of Joseon

16. Yi Haeng-ni, King Ikjo of Joseon (조선 익조 이행리) 8. Yi Chun, King Dojo of Joseon / Bayan Temür (조선 도조 이춘) / (孛顔帖木兒) 17. Queen Jeongsuk of the Yeongheung Choe clan (정숙왕후 최씨) 4. Yi Ja-chun, King Hwanjo of Joseon / Ulus Bukha (조선 환조 이자춘) / (吾魯思不花) 18. Park Gwang, Internal Prince Anbyeon (안변부원군 박광) 9. Queen Gyeongsun of the Munju Park clan (경순왕후 박씨) 2. King Taejo of Joseon (조선 태조) 20. Choe Jong-dae (최종대) 10. Choe Han-gi, Internal Prince Yeongheung & Duke Jeonghyo (영흥부원군 정효공 최한기) 21. Grand Lady Gim of the Joseon State (조선국대부인 김씨) 5. Queen Uihye of the Yeongheung Choe clan (의혜왕후 최씨) 11. Grand Lady Yi of the Joseon State (조선국대부인 이씨) 1. Jeongjong of Joseon 24. Han Yu (한유) 12. Han Gyu-in (한규인) 6. Han Gyeong, Internal Prince Ancheon & Duke Gyeongmin (안천부원군 경민공 한경) 3. Queen Sinui of the Cheongju Han clan (신의왕후 한씨) 14. Shin Yun-ryeo (신윤려) 7. Grand Lady Shin of the Samhan State (삼한국대부인 신씨)

In popular culture

• Portrayed by Nam Seong-sik in the 1983 KBS TV series Foundation of the Kingdom.
• Portrayed by Lee Young-ho in the 1983 MBC TV series The King of Chudong Palace.
• Portrayed by Tae Min-young in the 1996–1998 KBS TV series Tears of the Dragon.
• Portrayed by No Young-gook in the 2008 KBS TV series The Great King, Sejong.
• Portrayed by Oh Hee-joon in the 2012–2013 SBS TV series The Great Seer.
• Portrayed by Lee Tae-rim in the 2014 KBS1 TV series Jeong Do-jeon.
• Portrayed by Seo Dong-won in the 2015–2016 SBS TV series Six Flying Dragons.
• Portrayed by Kim Myung-soo in the 2021 KBS1 TV series The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won.

See also

• List of monarchs of Korea

Notes

1. After Sejong ascended to the throne in 1418, Jeongjong was called 'The Old King Emeritus' (노상왕; 老上王) to distinguish him from his younger brother Taejong, who also abdicated.
2. By the time of Taejo's abdication and Jeongjong's accession on 14 October 1398, Taejo was already bestowed the title of "Grand King Emeritus"(Daesangwang; 태상왕).
3. Also known as Grand Lady Shin of the Samhan State (삼한국대부인 신씨).
4. The children are numbered according to the information found in official records, not based on their given year of birth.
5. Daughter of Gim Cheon-seo, Internal Prince Wolseong (월성부원군 김천서); and Lady Yi of the Damyang Yi clan (담양 이씨), also known as Grand Lady Yi of the Samhan State (삼한국대부인 이씨).
6. Called "Consort Deok" (Deokbi; 덕비) during her lifetime. On 28 November 1400, in the aftermath of the Second Strife of Princes when her husband abdicated in favor of his younger brother Taejong (who was the newly-appointed crown prince), along with his being bestowed the courtesy title of "King Emeritus Inmun Gongye" (인문공예상왕), she was bestowed the courtesy title of "Queen Dowager Sundeok" (순덕왕대비; "Queen Dowager" is the closest translation of her title even though her husband is still alive) by her brother-in-law. Her other little-known posthumous name is "Queen Anjeong" (안정왕후) [Yeonsangun Sillok, vol.52, 8 April 1504, entry 1; Gwanghaegun Sillok, vol.18, 6 August 1609, entry 1].
7. The daughters of Ji Yun (지윤) (? – 1377) and Lady Ahn of the Sunheung Ahn clan (안씨) were married to Taejo's two eldest sons: the eldest daughter married Grand Prince Jinan (Taejo's eldest son) and became his princess consort. Their two other daughters were Jeongjong's concubines; the youngest daughter became Royal Consort Sug-ui (숙의) while the second daughter became Royal Noble Consort Seong (성빈).
8. Married Lady Yi of the Jangsu Yi clan (장수 이씨), also known as Princess Consort Gotaek (고택군부인). Their grandson Seong Hui-an (성희안), through their eldest daughter who married Seong Chan (성찬), would be one of the leaders of the 1506 coup that ousted Yeonsangun and placed his younger half-brother Grand Prince Jinseong on the throne.
9. Married his first wife, Princess Consort of the Yongin Yi clan (군부인 용인 이씨) and had one son, Yi Chang (수성부정 이창). Married his second wife, Princess Consort of the Jeonju Choi clan (군부인 전주 최씨) and had one daughter who married Jeong Yeo-chang (정여창, 鄭汝昌) of the Hadong Jeong clan
10. The younger sister of Royal Noble Consort Seong.
11. Some documents record Royal Noble Consort Seong as his birth mother.
12. Born between 1388 and 1393.
13. Married Lady Choe of the Dongju Choe clan and had issue (5 sons and 3 daughters).
14. His first wife was Lady Jeong of the Yeonil Jeong clan (연일 정씨), also known as Princess Consort Ocheon (오천군부인), a granddaughter of Jeong Mong-ju.
15. Born between 1396 and 1402.
16. Because he had no issue by his wife, Lady Yi of the Pyeongchang Yi clan (평창 이씨), he adopted Yi Geum-son, Prince Gokseong (곡성군 이금손), the third son of his half-brother, Prince Seokbo.
17. With a concubine, he had 1 daughter who married Go Gye-geon (고계건, 高繼乾).
18. Historians speculate that her birth mother might have been Royal Consort Sug-ui of the Haepyeong Yun clan.
19. On 18 November 1431, Sejong held a discussion with five of his ministers regarding Jeongjong (then known by his temple name "Gongjeong" (공정대왕); Sukjong granted him the final temple name "Jeongjong", on 3 July 1681 [Sukjong Sillok, vol.11, entry 2]). He proposed to emulate the system of the Jin dynasty, wherein the Emperor's daughters were addressed as "Imperial Princesses" (Gun'gongju; 군공주), and bestow the same title, albeit lowered in rank and style, to his female cousins and nieces. After Hwang Hui (황희) agreed, Sejong ordered the discussion to be moved to the Hall of Worthies for further evaluation [Sejong Sillok, vol.54, entry 4]. On 22 November, Sejong finally bestowed the title of "Commandery Princess" or "Princess of the Second Senior Rank" (Gunju; 군주, 郡主) to seven of Jeongjong's illegitimate daughters, as well as to his brothers' legitimate daughters, including the fifth daughter of his eldest brother, Grand Prince Yangnyeong [Sejong Sillok, vol.54, entry 3].
20. Per Sejong, her alternate title is "Princess of Hamyang Commandery" or "Princess Hamyang of the Second Senior Rank" (함양군주).
21. Married Park Gaeng (박갱); son of Park Deuk-jung (박득중).
22. Daughter of Gi Myeon (기면), and elder sister of Gi Geon, Duke Jeongmu (정무공 기건) (? – 1460).
23. Born between 1388 and 1393.
24. Married Lady Seol of the Sunchang Seol clan (순창 설씨), and had issue (2 sons and 2 daughters).
25. Born between 1388 and 1393.
26. Married Gim Se-min (김세민); son of Gim Gyeom (김겸).
27. While her birth mother is not certain, a few documents list her as the daughter of Royal Consort Sug-ui of the Gi clan.
28. Married Byeon Sang-bok (변상복) (? – 1455); son of Byeon Yi (변이).
29. Like Princess Deokcheon, her birth mother is not certain, but a few documents list her as the daughter of Royal Consort Sug-ui of the Gi clan.
30. Born between 1404 and 1413.
31. Per Sejong, her alternate title is "Princess of Goseong Commandery" or "Princess Goseong of the Second Senior Rank" (고성군주).
32. Married Gim Han (김한); son of Gim Jeong-gyeong (김정경).
33. Became the 4th great-grandfather of Queen Hyejang, the wife of King Seongjong; and 6th great-grandfather of Queen Inseon, the wife of King Injong through his great-great-granddaughter, Won Dae-eun-gae, Lady Won of the Wonju Won clan (원대은개 정경부인 원주 원씨, 元大隱介 貞敬夫人 原州 元氏) (1514 - ?) and his youngest son, Yi Gyeom (이겸).
34. Married Princess Consort Yangdeok of the Namyang Hong clan (양덕군부인 홍씨) and had 6 children (2 sons, 4 daughters).
35. Born between 1406 and 1410.
36. Per Sejong, her alternate title is "Princess of Sangwon Commandery" or "Princess Sangwon of the Second Senior Rank" (상원군주).
37. Married Jo Hyo-san (조효산); son of Jo Eui-bang (조의방).
38. Like her older sisters, Princess Deokcheon and Princess Goseong, her birth mother is not certain, but a few documents list her as the daughter of Royal Consort Sug-ui of the Gi clan.
39. Born before 1417.
40. Per Sejong, her alternate title is "Princess of Ansong Commandery" or "Princess Ansong of the Second Senior Rank" (안성군주).
41. Married Yi Hui-jong (이희종).
42. Married his first wife, Princess Consort of the Yanggu Yu clan (군부인 양구 유씨) and had no issue. Married his second wife, Princess Consort of the Haepung Jang clan (군부인 해풍 장씨) and had 2 children (1 daughter, 1 adoptive son).
43. Daughter of Inspector General Yun Bang-eon (대사헌 윤방언).
44. Born between 1396 and 1398.
45. Married Princess Consort Yeongcheon of the Goryeong Park clan (영천군부인 고령 박씨) and had 4 children (1 son, 3 daughters).
46. With a concubine, he had 2 children (1 son, 1 daughter).
47. Married Princess Consort Hakseong of the Wonju Kim clan (학성군부인 원주 김씨) and had 8 children (3 sons, 5 daughters).
48. In 1444, King Sejong bestowed the posthumous title of "Prince Jangcheon of the Third Senior Rank" (장천정) to him, and in 1872, Emperor Gojong upgraded it to "Prince Jangcheon".
49. Per Sejong, her alternate title is "Princess of Incheon Commandery" or "Princess Incheon of the Second Senior Rank" (인천군주).
50. Married Yi Gwan-sik (이관식); son of Yi Seong-gan (이성간).
51. Per Sejong, her alternate title is "Princess of Haman Commandery" or "Princess Haman of the Second Senior Rank" (함안군주).
52. Married Yi Hang-shin (이항신), created Lord Bujidon (부지돈녕), Prince Wollim (월림군) & Duke Sojeong (소정공).
53. Married Princess Consort Uichun of the Uiryeong Nam clan (의춘군부인 의령 남씨) and had 5 children (4 sons, 1 daughter). His fourth son became the adoptive son of Prince Jongui.
54. A courtesan from Hwangju who comforted Jeongjong after his abdication, and was involved in the eventual deposition of Crown Prince Yi Je.

Jeongjong of Joseon House of Yi Born: 26 July 1357 Died: 24 October 1419
Regnal titles
Preceded by Taejo	King of Joseon 22 October 1398 – 7 December 1400	Succeeded by Taejong