Korean Empire
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{{koreanname | image=Image:Korea-arms3.jpg | hangul=대한제국 | hanja=大韓帝國 | rr=Daehan Jeguk | mr=Taehan Cheguk }}
In 1897, under King Gojong, the name of Korea was changed, under Japanese threats and duress, from Daejoseon-guk to Daehan Jeguk, making the country an empire and Gojong its first emperor.
In East Asia, the status of empire meant independence from Qing dynasty China, and in fact the "full and complete" independence of Korea was recognized in 1895. Contrary to its title, the Korean Empire remained weak; by 1905 Korea had been invaded and occupied by Japan and was designated as a protectorate of Japan. In 1907, Japan forced Gojong to abdicate in favour of his son Sunjong, who became Korean Empire's second and last emperor. In 1910, it was annexed by Japan with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty, beginning a 35-year period of Japanese rule.Template:History of Korea
Previous to the Korean Empire, several dynastic rulers of Goguryeo, Silla, Baekje, Balhae and Goryeo claimed emperorship and used imperial titles one time or another.