Empress Myeongseong

Author: Yuan Fei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-08-01
Features: Empress Myeongseong was the last queen of the Joseon Dynasty. Born into a declining aristocratic family, she was unexpectedly chosen to enter the palace and become the consort of King Gojong. This was initially a ploy by officials to control the imperial family. However, Empress Myeongseong was exceptionally intelligent and perceptive, and with her extraordinary courage and far-sightedness, she survived the treacherous court, continuously, not only securing her own position but also helping her husband reclaim the throne. Meanwhile, Japan sought to dominate Asia by occupying China. Japan first targeted Joseon, a country bordering China, attempting to use it as a springboard to invade China. As a woman, Empress Myeongseong navigated between powerful nations to resist Japanese aggression, preventing Japan from achieving its ambitions. The Japanese government grew increasingly frustrated with Empress Myeongseong's interference and concluded that they could not annex Joseon without eliminating "Empress Myeongseong." On October 8, 1895, the Japanese government sent assassins to murder Empress Myeongseong. Five years later, Joseon was annexed by Japan. Although Empress Myeongseong was ultimately assassinated by intrigue, her legacy remains eternally celebrated by the Korean people.