The Young King and the Rise of Suyang
When King Danjong ascended the throne at just 12 years old, he was too young to handle the complexities of governance. Despite his intelligence, he lacked a regent, with no mother or grandmother to act as his guardian. This led to a system known as the 'Yellow Paper Politics', where the three leading ministers—Hwangbo In, Kim Jong-seo, and Jeong Bun—made key decisions and presented them for royal approval. This left the young king isolated in Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Discontent brewed among the royal family, particularly with Prince Suyang (later known as King Sejo). When a decree banning officials from seeking political favor was issued, it further inflamed Suyang’s frustrations. He openly confronted the ministers, demanding to know why the royal family was being sidelined, and his influence only grew from that point.
The Rise of Suyang’s Faction
While Prince Anpyeong gained a reputation as a scholar, his following was weak compared to Suyang’s growing faction, which attracted many talented officials and strategists. Among them was Han Myung-hoe, the grandson of a renowned Joseon statesman. Although mocked in his youth for his appearance, Han’s strategic mind won him powerful allies, including Suyang.
Han’s rise, however, wasn’t without struggle. By the age of 30, he had failed to pass the national civil service exams and was seen as a failure by his in-laws. Nevertheless, Han's ambition remained, and with the support of his scholarly friend Kwon Ram, he secured a position in Suyang’s inner circle, preparing for a coup.
Plotting the Coup: 1453
In late 1453, Suyang gathered a group of loyalists under the pretense of a hunting event at his home. With around 60 warriors in attendance, they enjoyed a feast while quietly finalizing their plans. Chief among them were strategists like Han Myung-hoe and Kwon Ram, alongside fierce warriors such as Hong Yun-seong and An Gyeong-son.
The decision was made: the first target would be the powerful minister Kim Jong-seo. Aware that his house was heavily guarded, some argued for postponement, but Han Myung-hoe pushed for immediate action. The group struck swiftly, with Suyang personally leading the attack on Kim’s residence. Kim was killed, and the conspirators wasted no time heading to the palace.
Suyang Takes Control
At the palace, Suyang informed the young King Danjong that Kim Jong-seo and other ministers had been conspiring with rebellious officials in the provinces. Frightened, Danjong issued an order allowing Suyang to manage the situation. Summoning the leading ministers to the palace, Suyang’s men ambushed them. Hwangbo In, a trusted minister, was the first to die, followed by others who had loyally served the kingdom.
Suyang’s grip on power tightened as he executed or exiled any who posed a threat. The next significant figure was Yi Jing-ok, a loyalist to Kim Jong-seo. Suyang replaced him, ensuring no opposition remained. Soon, Suyang controlled both the military and the court. The era of the Yellow Paper Politics was over, and Suyang had become the most powerful man in the kingdom.
Danjong's Abdication and the Rise of Sejo
By 1455, Danjong’s reign was under constant threat. Isolated in the palace, with no one to trust except his young queen, he decided to abdicate. On the 11th day of the intercalary 6th month, Danjong officially handed the throne to Suyang, who took the title of King Sejo. The ceremonial handover was filled with emotion, especially for loyalist officials like Seong Sam-mun, who openly wept at the young king’s resignation.
The Struggle for Danjong’s Restoration
Despite Sejo’s ascension, resistance remained among those loyal to Danjong. Led by the scholar-officials of the Jiphyeonjeon, they plotted to restore the deposed king. Plans were made to assassinate Sejo during a banquet for a Ming envoy, with Seong Sam-mun’s father positioned to strike. However, the plot failed, leading to severe repercussions.
Many loyalists, including the “Six Martyred Ministers” (Seong Sam-mun, Park Paeng-nyeon, Ha Wi-ji, Yi Gae, Kim Mun-gi, and Yoo Seong-won), faced brutal torture and execution. Over 100 officials were implicated in the failed coup. Eventually, Danjong was stripped of his royal title and exiled to Yeongwol.
The Tragic End of Danjong
In the aftermath, Danjong was sent to live in Sugan Palace as a powerless figurehead. His former allies were either dead or in hiding, and even his queen, Song, could do little to comfort him. Although some still harbored hopes of his restoration, their efforts came to nothing. Danjong, now known only as Prince Nosan, was finally exiled to a remote part of the country, where he would meet a tragic end.
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