Jeongye Daewongun facts for kids

Jeongye Daewongun (전계대원군) was an important person in the Joseon dynasty of Korea. He is best known as the biological father of King Cheoljong, who later became a ruler of Joseon. His personal name was Yi Gwang. He was also sometimes called Kwae-deuk or Hae-dong. The title Daewongun is a special name given to the father of a king who was not a king himself.

Early Life and Family

Yi Gwang was born on March 21, 1785, on Ganghwa Island. His birth name was Kwae-deuk, which later changed to Hae-dong, and then to Gwang.

He was one of the sons of Prince Euneon. Prince Euneon was a son of Crown Prince Sado. This made Jeongye Daewongun a half-nephew to King Jeongjo. However, during most of his life, Yi Gwang was not treated like a close member of the royal family.

In 1801, his father, Prince Euneon, faced serious trouble. Prince Euneon's wife and daughter-in-law were involved with the Roman Catholic Church. At that time, the Joseon Dynasty's official state religion was Neo-Confucianism. Being involved with other religions was seen as a challenge to the government. Because of this, Prince Euneon was executed for what was considered treason.

After his father's death, Yi Gwang and some of his brothers were sent away to Ganghwa Island. They lived there as ordinary farmers. However, in 1822, King Sunjo gave the family a special pardon, allowing them to return.

Jeongye Daewongun passed away on November 2, 1841, at his home in Seoul. He was 56 years old. The reason for his death is not known.

After His Death

In 1841, a group of people tried to make Yi Won-gyeong, Yi Gwang's eldest son, the new king. This plan was discovered, and Yi Won-gyeong was executed. Only Yi Gwang's two other sons, Yi Gyeong-eung and Yi Won-beom, survived. They were sent back to Ganghwa Island.

In 1849, something very important happened. Yi Won-beom, one of Yi Gwang's sons, became the new ruler of Joseon. He was crowned as King Cheoljong. Because his son became king, Yi Gwang was given the special title of Daewongun after his death. This is why he is known as Jeongye Daewongun.

His tomb was moved a few times. It was first in Seoul, then moved to Yeoju, and finally to Pocheon in 1851.

Family Members

• Father: Yi In, Prince Euneon (1754 – 1801)
  • Grandfather: King Jangjo of Joseon (1735 – 1762)
  • Grandmother: Royal Noble Consort Suk of the Buan Im clan (? - 1773)
• Mother: Princess Consort Jeonsan of the Jeonju Yi clan (1764 – 1819)
• Wives and Children:
  • Grand Internal Princess Consort Wanyang of the Jeonju Choi clan (1804 - 1840)
    • Yi Wongyeong, Prince Hoepyeong (1827 – 1844), his first son
  • Grand Internal Princess Consort Yongseong of the Yongdam Yeom clan (1793 - 1834)
    • King Cheoljong (1831 – 1864), his third son
  • Lady Yi (이씨)
    • Yi Gyeongeung, Prince Yeongpyeong (1828 – 1902), his second son