After the Japanese and Manchuria invasions, the Joseon dynasty experienced almost 200 years of peace. The Korean Confucian philosophy saw the guidance of Silhak (실학, practical learning). Scholars reformed the civil service examination and tax laws, improved agricultural management and techniques, and spoke the importance of natural sciences. This was a saving grace for the dynasty that was still recovering from the attacks hundreds of years ago. It not only helped high and middle class citizens but lower classes too.

Let’s delve into the story of how politics caused the fall of the Joseon dynasty.

Political Factions

These different scholarly groups would soon find themselves in a political battle during the reign of King Sukjong (숙종). Divided as Southerners and Westerners, the two could no longer keep their opinions to themselves. Known as hwanguk (황국, change in the state of affairs), and just like the parties we see today, only one could have power over the country. The winning group just so happened to be the Southerners, but their power would not last for long. The king believed that this government would weaken and eventually overthrow royalty, which caused a literal battle between the parties.

The Westerners proved themselves worthy after winning the battle, leaving the Southerners to wallow after losing their power. However, the Westerners held a grudge against their opposer and any group openly displaying friendly relations with them. They shunned many groups, which caused great political radicalism. Things would only get better between the parties as King Yeongjo (영조) and King Jeongjo (정조) would establish and improve the Tangpyeongchaek (탕평책) that would force political factions to remain civil and have equality.

However, there were still issues that needed to be resolved over time. The two kings saw all the things that needed to change and formulated plans to develop Korea’s government system even after they were gone. The Kyujanggak (규장각, a royal library) was then created to keep a catalog of government policies. Intelligent governments who had the future of Joseon in mind were employed to run the dynasty, even if they had a lower social status. At this point, the Silhak favored King Jeongjo as he supported the growth of Joseon’s culture, from traditions to what was considered core subjects (history, language and more).

Unfortunately, these politics and policies could not be sustained after the king’s death. Political battles arose once again, weakened by Sedo Politics (in-law government) by powerful royals. As King Sunjo (선조) took the throne from his father in 1800 A.D., the Noron faction gained governmental control, but only with the help of Queen Dowager Jeongsun (정순왕후). Her family was close with the party and together, planned to persecute the Catholics. However, this stance soon faded once the Queen Dowager had passed, leaving the Andong Kim Clan to take control.

While government positions were still being taken by high-class and royal family members, it meant the kings had no official power over their country. They couldn’t even voice their opinions. It was clear that the government was corrupt. Bribes were given to keep in-laws in unusually high ranks, even the positions created for lower classes and low rank positions in general were sold. Once again, lower classes were left to suffer. Over 60 years, families who were once high and middle class began to live in misery too. In fact, the country was so powerful that they hardly sought help, even trades, from foreign countries right next door.

In 1863 A.D., King Gojong (고종) rose to the throne, but his father Heungseon Daewongun (흥선대원군) ruled in his place until he became an adult. The photo to the left shows King Gojong (left) with his son King Sunjong (순종) (right), and is known to be one of the few photos of Korean royals. With the country under heavy control by the Andong Kim Clan, many countries became offended with Korea’s treatment towards them, leading to the French Campaign in 1866 A.D. It also saw the reconstruction of Gyeongbok Palace (경복궁), though peasants were recruited to overthrow southern parts of Korea at this time too. While this was taking place, King Gojong saw the terrors of his nation and knew he needed to stop this behavior before the dynasty collapsed.

To deter the disgraced clans, the king promoted new governments without formally recognising them. Through this, he reformed the tax system and became the next official king. His wife, Queen Min (민비, who was later known as Empress Myeongseong (명성황후)) earned a high-ranking governmental position, alongside her family.

The Establishment of the Korean Empire

The Joseon dynasty was still getting used to accepting foreign countries again. Though, Japan had obtained Western military technology and demanded Joseon sign the Treaty of Ganghwa (강화도 조약) in 1876 A.D., where three trading ports were opened. Koreans started to detest Japan for taking control of their land, leading to riots in 1882 A.D. The riots were so violent that the queen fled to the countryside, and 12 years later, farmers were rebelling too in the Donghak Peasant Revolution (동학 농민 운동). Furthermore, Korea’s government asked the Qing dynasty for help, who sent 3,000 soldiers and tried to form a truce.

However, Japan felt threatened by the additional forces and sent in 8,000 of their own soldiers. They seized the Royal Palace and promoted their own government in Korea. Eventually, the riots and rebellions became a war between Japan and the Qing, primarily fought in Korea. Unbeknownst at the time, the king had signed an agreement that would see many disadvantages. This left Empress Myeongseong to pick up the pieces as she constructed a plan to abolish Japan from their land. She considered asking the Russian Empire and China for help, but in 1895 A.D., she was assassinated by Japanese agents. Knowing that an intelligent government had been killed, Japan became even more confident in their power.

The Qing surrendered and signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki the same year, which made Korea independent from China, but gave Japan the opportunity to take leadership in the coming years. It became apparent that, despite his efforts, the king was unable to save the Joseon dynasty. Instead, the short-lived Korean Empire was born, alongside the Gwangmu Reform (광무개혁) in 1897 A.D. King Gojong became the emperor and foreign nations, such as Russia, were contacted in a last attempt to get rid of the Japanese. Into the early 1900s, Japan grew stronger and kept fighting against Russia, seeing new battles and wars. Without foreign help, Korea was forced to sign the Protectorate Treaty in 1905. The Korean Empire was now under fake protection by Japan until it was officially annexed in 1910, leading to the Japanese colonization of Korea.

Edited by Kelly Sipko