Danjong of Joseon

Timeline

1. 1441–1453Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanyang · HanyangBorn at Gyeongbokgung Palace, sole son of Munjong. In 1452 Munjong died of illness, and twelve-year-old Yi Hong-wi ascended the throne, assisted by regents led by Kim Jong-seo and Hwangbu In. The young king could not control the royal clan; his uncle Prince Suyang cultivated private troops and old meritorious retainers, and palace power quickly fell out of balance.
2. 1453–1455Hanyang · HanyangIn October 1453 Prince Suyang launched the Gyeyu Jingnan, attacking and killing Chief State Councillor Kim Jong-seo and Hwangbu In among others, and made himself Chief State Councillor; Danjong became a puppet. In 1455 under pressure he announced his abdication; Yi Ryo ascended as Sejo, and Danjong retired as retired king, with Queen Song likewise demoted. The deposition was carried out under the name of 'voluntary abdication,' but was in fact a royal clan coup.
3. 1456–1457Cheongryeongbo, Yeongwol · YeongwolIn 1456 the Six Loyal Ministers, including Seong Sam-mun and Bak Paeng-nyeon, plotted to restore Danjong; the plot leaked and they were executed, and Danjong was deposed as Prince Nosan and exiled to Cheongryeongbo in Yeongwol. In 1457 Prince Geumseong and others again plotted restoration, and Sejo ordered the deposed king dealt with: Danjong was ordered to commit suicide at Yeongwol, aged sixteen. His body was at one point abandoned; the local clerk Yeom Heung-do secretly buried him, which became the later Jangneung. The deposition and killing are clearly recorded in the annals and unofficial histories, not a natural death.