Gojong of the Korean Empire
1852–1919 (age 67)
Biography
Gojong of the Korean Empire was the 26th monarch of the Joseon Dynasty and the first emperor of the Korean Empire, reigning during a pivotal and turbulent period of Korean history. His reign witnessed Korea's transition from a traditional kingdom to a modern empire as the nation faced unprecedented external pressures and internal transformation.
Emperor Gojong's efforts to modernize Korea and maintain its sovereignty during the Japanese imperial expansion represent a complex and consequential chapter in Korean history. His legacy encompasses both his attempts at reform and the challenges he faced in preserving Korean independence during an era of regional upheaval.