Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang


Prince Nŭngch'ang, formally known as Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang, and with the personal name Yi Jeon, was a Korean royal prince of the Joseon dynasty. He was the third son of Wonjong of Joseon and Queen Inheon of the Neungseong Gu clan. He was also the second younger brother of Injo of Joseon. Prince Nŭngch'ang was noted for his proficiency in equestrianism, martial arts, and particularly in archery.

Biography

Early life

The future Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang was born on 16 July 1599 in Saemun-ri, Seongseo, Hanseong-bu, Joseon. He was the youngest son of Prince Jeongwon and Princess Consort Yeonju of the Neungseong Gu clan, the daughter of Gu Sa-maeng.
Although he was the biological son of Prince Jeongwon, he was later adopted by his second uncle, Prince Sinseong, who had no heirs. He was raised by his adoptive mother, Princess Consort Sin, the daughter of Sin Rip. As a result, Sin Rip became his maternal grandfather, and Sin Gyeong-jin and Sin Gyeong-hui were regarded as his maternal uncles.
From a young age, Prince Nŭngch'ang was described as intelligent, talented, and of good appearance. He enjoyed reading and was nicknamed Hyeongongja. In 1601, at the age of three, he was granted the title Master Nŭngch'ang. In 1612, at the age of fourteen, he was elevated to the title Prince Nŭngch'ang.

During Gwanghaegun of Joseon's reign

During the reign of his half-uncle, Gwanghaegun of Joseon, rumours circulated that Prince Nŭngch'ang harboured ambitions for the throne and posed a threat to Gwanghaegun's rule. In 1608, following Gwanghaegun’s ascension to the throne and the death of Yu Yeong-gyeong in prison, Prince Nŭngch'ang was granted the title of Jeongunwonjong gongsin, rank 1. Later, in 1613, after Prince Imhae was imprisoned, he was awarded the title of Iksawonjong gongsin, rank 1.
On 14 August 1615, there was speculation that Gwanghaegun intended to elevate him to the title of Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang. However, on 22 August 1615, Gwanghaegun ordered his arrest. After questioning him at Injeongmun, the prince was imprisoned and subsequently exiled to Gyodong-do, Ganghwa.

Later life

On 17 November 1615, Prince Nŭngch'ang took his own life after writing a farewell letter to his parents, which he entrusted to his brother-in-law at a government office. However, the susaeng who received the letter was unable to deliver it immediately and instead concealed it in his sash, later burying it in the ground. In March 1623, following the rebellion and subsequent accession of his eldest brother, Grand Prince Neungyang, the letter was finally delivered to him.
According to other records, on 19 November 1615, Gwanghaegun exiled Prince Nŭngch'ang to Gyodong Island on charges of treason, where he was reportedly executed shortly after his arrival. Upon hearing of his death, their father, Wonjong, was said to have been overcome with grief. He fell ill and, after consuming alcohol while unwell, died on 2 February 1619 at the age of 40.
On 13 March 1623, Prince Nŭngch'ang's eldest brother, Prince Neungyang, led a coup that deposed Gwanghaegun and ascended the throne. During Injo's reign, Prince Nŭngch'ang, along with Gim Je-nam, Grand Prince Yeongchang, and Yi Tae-gyeong, Prince Jilleung, was posthumously reinstated.
Prince Nŭngch'ang was initially honoured with the posthumous title of Gadeokdaebu. On 15 October 1629, he was further elevated to Hyeollokdaebu.
In 1630, after his parents were posthumously granted the titles of Grand Internal Prince and Grand Internal Princess Consort, Prince Nŭngch'ang was elevated to the status of Grand Prince on 4 May 1632. His tombstone was subsequently inscribed with the title Grand Prince Nŭngch'ang.

Aftermath and tomb

Prince Nŭngch'ang died on 17 November 1615, not long after his marriage to Lady Gu, the future Princess Consort Gu, in March 1615. Although she did not bear any children, he had one daughter with a concubine, Princess Yi Yeong-on, who later married Hŏ Sŏ, the third younger brother of Hŏ Mok.
He was initially buried in Gunjang-ri, Geumchon-myeon, Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi Province. On 29 October 1629, during the sixth year of Injo of Joseon's reign, his tomb was relocated to Nanji-won, Geuncheohyeok-dong, Namhansanseong Fortress, Godae-myeon, Gwangju-gun, Gyeonggi Province. It was later moved again to the mountain behind Gogol Gungan Village, Chungung-ri, Dongbu-myeon, Gwangju-gun, Gyeonggi Province.
On 13 May 1658, his adopted son, Grand Prince Inpyeong, died and was buried on 13 July of the same year beside Nŭngch'ang's tomb. However, after 35 years, his remains were moved to Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. To the left of Nŭngch'ang's tomb are the tombs of Yi Hyeok, Prince Uiwon and his wife, while the tombs of Yi Yeon-Eung and his wife are located below them.
Meanwhile, Nŭngch'ang's residence was confiscated by Gwanghaegun of Joseon and incorporated into Gyeongdeok Palace. After his death, in March 1623, his elder brother Prince Neungyang led a rebellion and ascended the throne as King Injo. Nŭngch'ang was posthumously reinstated on 15 March that same year and was initially honoured with the title Gadeokdaebu, later changed to Hyeollokdaebu. King Injo designated his third son, Grand Prince Inpyeong, as Nŭngch'ang's adoptive heir.

Family

Others

In popular culture