Prince Nakcheon facts for kids
Prince Nakcheon (born November 26, 1720 – died September 28, 1737) was a young prince of the Joseon dynasty in Korea. His birth name was Yi Susin, but it was later changed to Yi On. He was also known by his courtesy name, "Onjung."
Prince Nakcheon was the only son of Yi Chae. However, he later became the adopted son of Prince Yeollyeong in 1734. Prince Yeollyeong was the youngest son of King Sukjong.
About Prince Nakcheon
His Life Story
Prince Nakcheon was born as the only son of Yi Chae and Lady Yu. Lady Yu was from the Jinju Yu clan. Through his father, Yi Chae, Prince Nakcheon was a great-great-grandson of Prince Gyeongchang. Prince Gyeongchang was the ninth son of King Seonjo.
Before Prince Nakcheon was adopted, Prince Yeollyeong had passed away in 1719. Prince Yeollyeong was the youngest son of King Sukjong. He did not have any children of his own. So, a new heir was chosen for him in the same year. This heir was Yi Gong, who later became Prince Sangwon.
However, Prince Sangwon's birth family faced trouble in 1728 during a rebellion. Because he was related to those involved, Prince Sangwon himself died in 1733. He was unmarried and had no children. So, his adoption was canceled that same year.
King Yeongjo, who was Prince Yeollyeong's brother, then asked his officials to find another heir. King Yeongjo was impressed by Yi Susin, the son of Yi Chae. In 1734, it was decided that Yi Susin would become the new heir to Prince Yeollyeong. Since he was old enough, he also received a royal title. In the same year, Yi Susin's name was changed to "Yi On." He was given the title, Prince Nakcheon.
Around 1735 to 1737, King Yeongjo wanted to find a wife for his nephew, Prince Nakcheon. Daughters from important families were considered. However, two officials, Kim Chi-man and Seo Jong-su, did not want their daughters to marry the prince. They were put in prison by the king's order. Lady Seo eventually married Prince Nakcheon in 1737. Lady Seo was a great-great-granddaughter of Princess Jeongsin. Princess Jeongsin was the eldest daughter of King Seonjo. Prince Nakcheon and Lady Seo did not have any children. Prince Nakcheon died suddenly in the same year, when he was only 16 years old.
After his death, Prince Nakcheon was buried in the family graveyard. This was in Geumcheon, which is now part of Siheung County, Gyeonggi Province. His grave was placed near his adoptive parents and grandmother.
Who Became His Heir?
On October 7, 1747, King Yeongjo chose a new heir for Prince Nakcheon. This was Yi Cheol-hai. He was a distant relative, a great-great-great-great-great-great-grandson of Deokheung Daewongun. Deokheung Daewongun was the seventh son of King Jungjong. Yi Cheol-hai was the second son of Yi Hyeong-jong. He was given a new name and title: Yi Yeong, Prince Dalseon.
During this process, the Grand Queen Dowager, Queen Inwon, shared her thoughts. She was the king's stepmother. She said that the adopted person would become her great-grandson. She hoped they could choose a closer relative instead.
Later, when King Jeongjo became king in 1776, Prince Eunsin was chosen as the new heir for Prince Yeollyeong. Prince Eunsin was King Jeongjo's half-brother. However, Prince Eunsin was not made an heir to Prince Nakcheon. The special adoption status of Prince Nakcheon as Prince Yeollyeong's son was also canceled during King Jeongjo's time.
In 1819, during the reign of King Sunjo, some officials suggested finding an heir for Prince Nakcheon again. They suggested Prince Eunsin or another relative. But this idea was not approved.
In 1940, during the time of Korea under Japanese rule, the graves of Prince Nakcheon and his family were moved. They were moved to Yesan County in South Chungcheong Province. This happened because the area around Keijō (which is now Seoul) was being reorganized for land use.
See also
- Prince Yeollyeong
- Prince Eunsin
- Prince Namyeon
- Prince Kyeongchang
- Heungseon Daewongun
