Uijong of Goryeo


Uijong, personal name Wang Hyŏn, was the 18th king of the Goryeo dynasty of Korea.
He honoured his civilian advisors with many ceremonies, but discriminated against the military officials, often forcing them to participate in martial arts competitions to entertain himself and the civil officials, as well as assigning them petty portions during land distributions. He also was often drunk, further angering the warrior class.
In the autumn of 1170, constant discriminations caused the rage of the military officials to finally burst. Three warriors and others mounted a coup d'etat, murdering civil officials, deposing Uijong, and appointing his young brother as the new king in the place. After he was dethroned, officials loyal to Uijong such as Kim Po-dang later attempted to restore him, but the attempt was exposed and Uijong was subsequently thrown into a pond and drowned by the Goryeo military regime, while many civil officials were again purged.

Family

  1. Queen Janggyeong of the Gangneung Kim clan, half second cousin once removed.
  2. #Princess Gyeongdeok, 1st daughter
  3. #Princess Anjeong, 2nd daughter
  4. #Wang Ki, Crown Prince Hyoryeong, 1st son
  5. #Princess Hwasun, 3rd daughter
  6. Queen Jangseon of the Jiksan Choe clan – No issue.
  7. Concubine Mubi
  8. #3 daughters and 9 sons, all were unknown.

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