Fire-scarred portraits of Korea's last monarch go on public display for 1st time
Rare portraits of Emperor Sunjong, Korea’s last monarch, are going on public display for the first time as Korea marks 100 years since his death, shedding light on the life of a ruler whose reign coincided with collapse of the Korean Empire. The National Palace Museum of Korea opened the special exhibition on Friday in its permanent Korean Empire gallery, featuring two royal portraits, historical…
Rare portraits of Emperor Sunjong, the final monarch of the Korean Empire, are now on public display for the first time as the nation commemorates the 100th anniversary of his death. The National Palace Museum of Korea opened a special exhibition on Friday, showcasing two royal portraits, historical photographs, and a newly reconstructed military uniform worn by Emperor Gojong in its permanent Korean Empire gallery.
Sunjong (1874-1926), who was the second and final emperor of the Korean Empire, came to power in 1907 following Japan's forced abdication of his father, Gojong. Born as the second son of Gojong and Empress Myeongseong, Sunjong ascended to the throne as the crown prince in 1875 and became the crown prince of the Korean Empire in 1897 when his father proclaimed its establishment.
Sunjong's years as heir were fraught with political turmoil, including the assassination of his mother by Japanese forces in 1895 and his father's flight to the Russian legation the following year. Subsequently, Japan stripped Sunjong of his effective governing authority, and the Korean Empire was annexed forcibly by Japan in 1910.
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