Huijong of Goryeo

Huijong of Goryeo, born Wang Yŏng on June twenty-first, one thousand one hundred eighty-one, ascended to the throne as the twenty-first king of the Goryeo dynasty. His reign was marked by ambition and conflict, particularly against the powerful military leader Ch'oe Ch'ung-hŏn and his brother Ch'oe Ch'ung-su. Huijong's animosity towards them intensified when Ch'ung-su forced the abdication of the Crown Princess, leading Huijong to plot revenge.

Upon the illness of King Sinjong in twelve hundred four, Huijong seized the opportunity to become king. He strategically promoted Ch'oe Ch'ung-hŏn to Prime Minister and named him Royal Protector, granting him significant power. This maneuver was intended to lull Ch'ung-hŏn into a false sense of security, allowing Huijong to orchestrate a coup against him.

However, Huijong's coup attempt failed, resulting in his exile to Yeongjongdo. Ch'oe Ch'ung-hŏn, realizing his newfound power, crowned King Gangjong in Huijong's stead. Despite his dethronement, Huijong was later permitted to reside on Ganghwa Island, though he faced further exile at the hands of Ch'oe's son, Ch'oe U, after his restoration plots were uncovered.