Empress Myeongseong

Author: (Korean) Yoo Hong-jung
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: A common, innocent girl became the Empress in a meticulously planned court struggle. Through long-term neglect and indifference, she witnessed the cruelty of the court. Power struggles, deceit, and treachery threatened the fate of the nation. After years of enduring hardship, at a critical juncture for the survival of the nation, the young Myeongseong bravely took on the heavy burden of saving the country and people, ruling the nation for over 30 years. However, her resilience ultimately led to her merciless murder by the Japanese Empire. Myeongseong—Empress of the nation—was brutally hacked to death in her long-occupied palace by Japanese ronin. Myeongseong Empress was the last Empress of the Joseon Dynasty a century ago. At the age of 16, she was chosen as the Queen, and she was killed at the age of 45, leaving this nearly 30-year period as the most turbulent era in Korean history during the modernization process. The purpose of this book is to correct the long-standing misunderstandings and prejudices about Empress Myeongseong in South Korea, as well as to dispel the influence of intentional distortions or malicious slander against her in Japan. This book focuses on tracing the power struggles during Empress Myeongseong's era, the invasions by foreign powers, and the process of Japan's invasion of Korea, emphasizing that the murder of Empress Myeongseong was indeed a crime committed by Japanese state power. This novel tells the story of the last Queen of the Joseon Dynasty, who was exceptionally intelligent and perceptive. With extraordinary courage and far-sighted vision, she survived the treacherous court, resolved crises, not only solidifying her own position but also helping her husband break free from the control of his in-laws and successfully reclaiming power.