Han Myeong-hoe facts for kids

Han Myeong-hoe (born November 26, 1415 – died November 28, 1487) was an important politician and soldier in Korea during the Joseon period. He was known for his clever strategies and played a big role in shaping the royal court.

He was a very trusted advisor to Grand Prince Suyang. This was especially true during the events of 1453 that led to Suyang becoming King Sejo. Han Myeong-hoe was recognized as a top "meritorious subject" (meaning someone who did great service) in both 1453 and 1455.

Han Myeong-hoe's signature

Han Myeong-hoe's Rise to Power

Han Myeong-hoe quickly became a powerful figure in the Joseon government. He held several high-ranking positions. These included Chief State Councillor, which was like being the prime minister. He also served as Left State Councillor and Right State Councillor. These roles showed how much trust the kings placed in him.

Family Connections to the Royal Family

Han Myeong-hoe was very skilled at making important connections. His family became closely linked with the royal family through marriage. This made him even more influential.

• In 1460, his third daughter, Han Naeng-yi, married Crown Prince Haeyang. This prince later became King Yejong, the 8th King of Joseon.
• After King Yejong became king, Han Naeng-yi was honored as Queen Jangsun. This was a very high honor for her and her family.
• Later, Han Myeong-hoe's youngest daughter married Prince Jalsan. Prince Jalsan would soon become King Seongjong, the 9th King of Joseon.

Helping Choose the Next King

When King Yejong passed away in 1469, there was a big decision to make about who would be the next king. Han Myeong-hoe was key in this choice. He argued that King Yejong's son was too young to rule. He also suggested that Jalsan's older brother was not strong enough for the role.

Because of Han Myeong-hoe's influence, Prince Jalsan was chosen to be the new king. He became King Seongjong. Han Myeong-hoe's daughter, Han Song-yi, became Queen Consort. She is known posthumously as Queen Gonghye.

Han Myeong-hoe's Family

Han Myeong-hoe came from the Cheongju Han clan. His father was Han Gi and his mother was Lady Yi of the Yeoju Yi clan. He had a younger brother named Han Myeong-jin.

He was married to Lady Min of the Yeoheung Min clan. Together, they had several children. Two of his daughters became queens:

• Queen Jangsun (Han Naeng-yi), who married King Yejong.
• Queen Gonghye (Han Song-yi), who married King Seongjong.

He also had a son named Han Bo, and several other children from other relationships.

Han Myeong-hoe in Popular Culture

Han Myeong-hoe's life and influence have been shown in many Korean TV shows and movies. This shows how important he was in Joseon history.

• He was played by Kim Jong-gyul in the 2007–2008 SBS TV series The King and I.
• Lee Hee-do played him in the 2011 KBS2 TV series The Princess' Man.
• Jo Hee-bong portrayed him in the 2011 SBS TV series Deep Rooted Tree.
• Son Byong-ho played him in the 2011–2012 JTBC TV series Insu, The Queen Mother.
• Son Hyun-joo played him in the 2019 film Jesters: The Game Changers.

See also

• Sin Sukju
• Han Hwak
• Gwon Ram
• Jeong Inji