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Myeongjong of Joseon

Type Figure Region Korean Peninsula Time 1534–1567 Also known as Yi Hwan

The 13th king of Joseon, enthroned at age nine in 1545 and reigning over twenty years, during which Queen Munjeong and powerful ministers like Yun Wo…

Timeline

  1. 1534–1545Hanseong · JoseonSon of Jungjong and Queen Munjeong, childhood name Hwan. After Jungjong's death he ascended the throne at only nine, with Queen Munjeong ruling from behind the screen, as in-laws and old meritorious factions began to intervene in royal politics.
  2. 1545–1567Hanseong · JoseonNominally ruling in person, he was in fact long influenced by Queen Munjeong and powerful ministers such as Yun Won-hyung. Around 1551 the court jockeyed fiercely over the crown prince's education and succession arrangements; after the Emyo purge the sarin faction was set back. Myeongjong was frail and in his later years delegated much governance to senior ministers.

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