Crown Prince Hyoryeong


Crown Prince Hyoryeong, personal name Wang Ki was a Goryeo Royal Prince as the first and oldest son of King Uijong and Queen Janggyeong who was later deposed from his position alongside his father by Chŏng Chung-bu and Yi Ŭi-bang in 1170.

Biography

Early life and background

Born on 4 June 1149 with the childhood name of Wang Hong and personal name of Wang Ki, he was the only son of King Uijong and Queen Janggyeong.
Through his father, both of King Myeongjong and Sinjong were his uncle and both of their sons were Ki's first cousins. Meanwhile, since Queen Uijeong and Queen Seonjeong were his mother's younger sisters, so they became both his paternal aunt-in-law and maternal aunt, same with Myeongjong and Sinjong who would become both his paternal uncle and maternal uncle-in-law.

Palace life and marriage

On May 15, 1153, the four-year-old Wang Ki formally became the crown prince. Then, Im Kŭk-ch'ung was chosen as the prince's teacher in 1155 and a year later, Kim Chon-jung was appointed as the junior guardian of the heir apparent alongside Yi Chi-mu who was also appointed as the grand guardian of the heir apparent.
In 1162, Ki performed a gwannye and in 1168, he received the daughter of Duke Gangyang and Princess Deoknyeong as his Princess consort. Together, they had a son.
Princess Deoknyeong was the second daughter of his grandfather, King Injong, so she was initially his aunt. Meanwhile, Duke Gangyang was the only son of Duke Daewon, the fifth son of King Sukjong who was Injong's grandfather. Through Duke Gangyang, Ki was the paternal second cousin once removed to his wife, but through Princess Deoknyeong, Ki was the maternal first cousin to her.

Deposition and removal

However, in 1170, Chŏng Chung-bu who was dissatisfied with the King whom usually politically centered on eunuchs, then killed about 10 eunuchs in the palace. After moved the King to "Gungigam", they led a coup to dethroned him and his successors.
At this time, Wang Ki was imprisoned at "Yeongeun Hall" and in the next day, Uijong was exiled to "Geoje-hyeon", Ki was expelled to "Jindo-hyeon", while his son was murdered. In 1173, Uijong was assassinated by Yi Ŭi-min at Gyerim and whether the prince was still alive or dead is unknown as there are no records left. After this, the throne was succeeded by Uijong's second younger brother, Wang Ho, the Duke Ikyang who became known as "King Myeongjong".