Myeongjong of Goryeo

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King Myeongjong (1131-1202, r. 1170–1197) was monarch of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea. He was the third son of King Injong.

Although it was intended that Injong's second son should succeed his father*, he was assassinated because Jeong Jung-bu feared that he might become a threat to him in the future. Myeongjong was a weak king, and was merely on the throne to show the general populace they still had a king, as the true rulers were the military leaders. His reign saw constant bloodshed as well as the deaths of the rebels Chung Jung-bu, Yi Ui-Bang, and Yi Ui-Min (not related to Yi Ui-Bang) but also the hero, Gyeong Dae-Seung (Gyeong was in fact the most loyal of the military leaders. Yet Myeongjong hated and mistrusted him because of his popularity with the populace).

After twenty-seven years on the throne, he was sent into exile by the military ruler of the time, Choe Chung-heon, and Injong's fifth son, Sinjong, was placed on the throne.

*It was said that when Injong was choosing an heir, he preferred his second son for his keen insight and wisdom; however, his older brother came to power, and banished him out of jeolousy.

Myeongjong of Goryeo

See also