Uijong of Goryeo

Uijong of Goryeo, born Wang Hyŏn on May twenty-third, one thousand one hundred twenty-seven, ascended to the throne as the eighteenth king of the Goryeo dynasty. His reign was marked by a distinct preference for civilian advisors, whom he honored with numerous ceremonies. In stark contrast, military officials faced discrimination, often subjected to humiliating martial arts competitions for the amusement of the king and his civil counterparts.

Uijong's penchant for alcohol further alienated the warrior class, exacerbating tensions within his court. The autumn of one thousand one hundred seventy saw these tensions reach a boiling point. A coup d'état led by three disgruntled warriors—Chŏng Chung-bu, Yi Ŭi-bang, and Yi Ko—culminated in the assassination of several civil officials and the deposition of Uijong himself.

Following his ousting, Uijong's loyal supporters, including Kim Po-dang, made attempts to restore him to power. However, these efforts were thwarted, leading to a tragic end for the former king. Ultimately, Uijong was thrown into a pond and drowned by the military regime, while a wave of purges swept through the ranks of civil officials.