History of Korea

Kojong ruled from 1864-1907. In late 1895, he and the crown prince, Sunjong, fled to the Russian legation after the assisination of Queen Min by the Japanese forces present in Korea. Upon his return in early 1897, Kojong proclaimed the independent "Great Han Empire" and thus he became Emperor of Korea. Kojong's opposition to the Protectorate treaty was well known as an imperial letter, which condemned the treaty and appealed for intervention from the Hague, was published in the popular Korea Daily News (Taehan Maeil Sinbo). Sadly, the Japanese used this beligerent act as a pretext to tighten control and forced Kojong to abdicate the throne to his son Sunjong. In 1907, Sunjong became emperor but it was clear that he was actually just a puppet of the resident-general.

Colonial Period