Chang Noksu


Royal Consort Sugyong, of the Heungdeok Jang clan, was the consort of King Yeonsangun. She is often compared with Royal Noble Consort Huibin Jang and Chŏng Nanjŏng, two other women of the Joseon period. After the overthrow of Yeonsangun, she was executed by the new ruler, King Jungjong.

Biography

The royal consort’s name was Chang Noksu. Her father was Chang Hanp'il, a county magistrate who lived in the western part of Chungcheong Province, and her mother was a concubine from the cheonmin social class. Because of this, Chang Noksu lived as a servant of the Grand Prince Jean, son of Yejong of Joseon and Queen Ansun. After having a son with Gano, another servant of Grand Prince Jean, she learned to sing and dance and became a kisaeng. She was only of ordinary beauty, but had a vibrant and youthful appearance, and possessed an extraordinary talent for singing and music.
One day, Yeonsangun heard her voice and appointed Chang Noksu his concubine, sending lots of gifts and wealth to her family. Concubine Chang seemed to treat Yeonsangun as a baby, but he so favored her that all rulings and punishments were made under her influence. In 1503, Chang Noksu became Royal Consort when she was elevated to the rank of Sugyong. Based on the king's favor, her brother-in-law Kim Hyoson was given an official post.
Although Chang Noksu lived in the palace, she destroyed her house to rebuild a new and a bigger house. In 1506, a group of officials plotted against the despotic ruler of Yeonsangun. King Yeonsangun was dethroned and sent into exile. The last moments of Chang Noksu's life were miserable. She was beheaded publicly and many people threw rocks at her dead body.

Family

  • Father: Chang Hanp'il
  • Unnamed Mother
  • Sibling
  • *Sister: Chang Poksu
  • **Brother-in-law: Kim Hyoson
  • Husband: Kano
  • * Unnamed son
  • Husband: King Yeonsangun of Joseon
  • *Son: Yi Ch'ongsu
  • *Son: Yi Yŏngsu
  • *Daughter: Princess Yi Yŏngsu
  • **Son-in-law: Kwŏn Han

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