Taejong of Joseon
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Template:Koreanruler twonames Taejong (1367-1422, r. 1400-1418) was the third king of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea and the father of King Sejong the Great.
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Early life
He was born as Yi Bangwon in 1367 as the fifth son of King Taejo, and was qualified as an official of Goryeo Dynasty in 1382. During his early days, he helped his father to gain more support from public and from many influential figures of the government. He was sent to Ming Dynasty of China in 1388. Taejong helped his father found a new dynasty by disposing of powerful Confucian officials such as Jeong Mong-ju, who remained loyal to the Goryeo kings.
In 1392, he helped his father to overthrow Goryeo and establish a new dynasty, Joseon. He thought he would be appointed as the successor to the throne, but his little half-brother, Yi Bangsuk was more favored by Taejo and Prime Minister Jeong Dojeon, who were afraid of Taejong's strong leadership and hard-line policy against noble families. In 1398, he led a coup against Jeong Dojeon and Bangsuk, exterminating Jeong's faction and murdering Bangsuk, his siblings and the queen. He then gave a push to his older brother, Jeongjong of Joseon, as a crown prince. Disappointed Taejo abdicated in 1399, and Jeongjong succeeded the throne.
In 1400, General Park Po, who was disappointed by Taejong for not awarding him for his action in 1398 coup, allied with Bangwon's older brother Yi Bang-gan and rebelled against him. Bangwon successfully defeated his brother's forces, then excuted Park Po and sent Bang-gan into exile. King Jeongjong, who was afraid of his brother's harsh action, appointed him as crown prince and abdicated in the same year, thus Taejong became the third king of Joseon Dynasty.
Reign
First in his reign, he banned private army and absorbed the soldiers who was privately owned by many nobles and princes into the official army, and removed opposition from the government. He also changed the political system, for more strong central government and absolute monarchy. He promoted Confucism, which was more like political philosophy rather than religion; thus demoting Buddhism, which was far from daily living and decayed from the power given by Goryeo kings back then. He closed many temple that were established by Goryeo kings, and seized its large possessions and added them into the national treasury. He also issued Hopae, a kind of social security card to govern more efficiently. He also set a big drum in front of his court, so when common people have some problems they can come to palace and consult the king.
In foreign policy, he was straight hardliner-he attacked the Jurchens in northern border and Japanese Pirates in southern coast. Taejong is also known for being responsible for the Oei Invasion in 1419. He also promoted publications, commerce and education. He also founded and encouraged Uigeumbu, the royal guard and secret police at the same time. In 1404, He moved the capital back to Hanyang, and abdicated in 1418-giving the throne to King Sejong the Great.
Taejong was known for his passion for hunting, considered unseemly in a ruler.
Modern depiction
"Tears of the Dragon," a popular KBS television historical drama that aired from 1996-8, portrayed Taejong's life. It depicts him as being committed to the stability of the kingdom, a commitment that translated into affection and devotion towards his father and heir (originally Taejong's firstborn son), although these feelings were not reciprocated due to anger about the 1398 assassinations. According to the series, Taejong was perpetually suspicious of others around him (especially his in-laws), resulting in purges.
See also
Template:Start box Template:Succession box Template:End boxko:조선 태종 ja:太宗 (朝鮮王) zh:朝鮮太宗