Yeongjo of Joseon

Who was Yeongjo of Joseon?

Yeongjo was the 21st king of the Korean Joseon Dynasty. As Yeoning-geum, he was the second son of Sukjong by Royal Noble Consort Suk of the Haeju Choi clan, and succeeded his older brother Gyeongjong after considerable controversy.

Yeongjo's reign lasted 52 years and was marked by his persistent efforts to reform the taxation system of Joseon, rule by Confucian ethics, minimize and reconcile the factional fighting under his "Magnificent Harmony" Policy, and for the highly controversial execution of his son, Prince Sado. In spite of the controversies, Yeongjo's reign has earned a positive reputation in Korean history due to his sincere efforts to rule by Confucian virtue.