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Yi Soo

Type Figure Region Joseon Time 1417–1468 Also known as Prince Suyang、Yi Suyang

Yi Soo (1417–1468), seventh king of Joseon with temple name Sejo; fourth son of Sejong, he seized power in the Gyeyu Jingnan coup of 1453.

Timeline

  1. 1417–1441Hanseong · HanseongFourth son of Sejong, gifted from youth and titled Prince Suyang. Gradually took part in state affairs under Sejong, contending with his elder brother Prince Yangnyeong for the succession; after Yangnyeong was deposed, his influence grew and he became a pivotal figure in the royal family.
  2. 1441–1450Hanseong · HanseongAround 1441, as Sejong aged, Soo deeply intervened in court politics as a prince, maintaining close ties with powerful officials such as Kim Jong-seo. After Sejong's death in 1450 and the accession of his eldest son Munjong, Soo continued to expand his political influence, accumulating strength for his later coup.
  3. 1455–1468Hanseong · HanseongLaunched the Gyeyu Jingnan in 1453 and deposed his nephew King Danjong (Yi Hong-wi) in 1455 to take the throne. During his reign he reformed the administration, strengthened royal authority, and compiled supplements to the Gyeongguk Daejeon; he died in 1468 with the temple name Sejo.

Sources