1. Overview
Yi Jeung (이증Yi JeungKorean; September 11, 1427 - September 26, 1464), formally known as Prince Gyeyang (계양군Gyeyang-gunKorean), was a prominent Joseon royal prince. He was the eighth son of Sejong the Great and the first son of Royal Noble Consort Shin of the Cheongju Kim clan. Prince Gyeyang was particularly favored by his father, King Sejong, alongside his younger half-brother, Prince Yeongeung. His given name was Yi Jeung (璔), his courtesy name was Hyeonji (顕之), and his posthumous name was Chungso (忠昭). He was known for his scholarly pursuits and humble character.
Prince Gyeyang played a significant role in the political landscape of his time, notably supporting his half-brother Grand Prince Suyang during the Gyeyu Jeongnan, a coup d'état against his nephew, King Danjong. Following Sejo's ascension to the throne, Prince Gyeyang was recognized as a first-class meritorious subject and gained considerable trust from the new king, participating in various royal affairs. His life also encompassed a rich personal sphere, including his marriage to Lady Han, the daughter of Han Hwak, and his family, which included three sons and three daughters. Despite his favored status and political involvement, his life was cut short due to illness, attributed in part to his indulgence in alcohol.
2. Life
Prince Gyeyang's life was marked by his royal lineage, his intellectual inclinations, his pivotal involvement in a major political upheaval, and his personal character.
2.1. Early Life and Education
Yi Jeung was born on September 11, 1427 (the 12th day of the 8th lunar month) as the eighth son of Sejong the Great and the eldest son of Royal Noble Consort Shin of the Cheongju Kim clan, who was a court lady at the time. He was deeply cherished by his father, King Sejong, who held him in high affection, a sentiment he shared equally with Prince Yeongeung, another of his sons. From a young age, Prince Gyeyang demonstrated a strong affinity for learning and was diligent in his studies. He was also noted for his exceptional skill in calligraphy. In January 1434, during the 16th year of King Sejong's reign, he was officially granted the title of Prince Gyeyang.
2.2. Political Career
Prince Gyeyang's political career was closely tied to the rise of his half-brother, Grand Prince Suyang. He became a staunch supporter of Grand Prince Suyang during the turbulent period leading up to the Gyeyu Jeongnan in 1453, a coup d'état that ultimately led to the dethronement of his nephew, King Danjong. During this time, in 1454, Prince Gyeyang, along with Su-chun-gun and Ik-hyeon-gun, and Yun Saro, the husband of his half-sister Princess Jeonghyeon, actively participated in impeaching Geumseong Daegun. In the same year, he and Yun Am of Pyeongpa attacked Geumseong Daegun and Hyebin Yangssi.
Following Sejo's successful ascension to the throne in 1455, Prince Gyeyang was honored with the prestigious rank of Jwaik Gongsin (좌익공신Meritorious Subject of the LeftKorean), specifically designated as a first-class contributor (輸忠衛社同德佐翼功臣). This recognition further solidified his position within the new political order. Immediately after Sejo's enthronement, Prince Gyeyang gained the king's profound trust, becoming a close confidant who managed the dispatch and receipt of various royal documents and affairs. His close relationship with King Sejo led to his active participation in numerous royal events and ceremonies. In 1460, during the 6th year of Sejo's reign, he served as the chief official (Jejo) of the Gallyedogam, overseeing the royal wedding preparations for Prince Haeyang (later King Yejong).
2.3. Personal Life and Character
Prince Gyeyang was known for his refined and humble disposition. Historical accounts describe him as having an elegant demeanor and being skilled in conversation. He consistently displayed modesty and respect in his interactions with others, never boasting about his noble status or influence.
In 1437, during the 19th year of King Sejong's reign, Prince Gyeyang married Lady Han, the second daughter of Han Hwak, a prominent statesman and Councillor of Joseon. Lady Han, later known as Princess Consort Jeongseon, was also the elder sister of Queen Insu, who would become the mother of King Seongjong. Through this marriage, Prince Gyeyang became a brother-in-law to Crown Prince Uigyeong (later King Deokjong), who was his nephew.
Despite his noble character and political responsibilities, Prince Gyeyang was known to indulge in alcohol. He frequently drank with his younger full-brothers, including Prince Ikheon. Tragically, in May 1463, Prince Ikheon died from an alcohol-related illness. King Sejo expressed deep sorrow over this event, remarking, "This is all Prince Gyeyang's fault. Prince Uichang died from alcohol, and now Prince Ikheon also dies from alcohol, which is very sad." This incident highlighted the concerns surrounding Prince Gyeyang's drinking habits, which ultimately contributed to his own declining health.
3. Family
Prince Gyeyang was a central figure in the extensive royal family of the Joseon Dynasty, connected through his parents, siblings, and numerous descendants.
3.1. Parents and Siblings
- Father:** King Sejong of Joseon (May 15, 1397 - April 8, 1450)
- Mother:** Royal Noble Consort Shin of the Cheongju Kim clan (신빈 김씨Shinbin GimssiKorean; 1406 - September 4, 1464)
- Full-brothers (from Royal Noble Consort Shin):**
- Prince Uichang (의창군Uichang-gunKorean) Yi Hwang (이황Yi HwangKorean; 1428 - 1460)
- Prince Milseong (밀성군Milseong-gunKorean) Yi Chim (이침Yi ChimKorean; 1430 - 1479)
- Prince Ikheon (익현군Ikheon-gunKorean) Yi Gwan (이관Yi GwanKorean; 1431 - 1463)
- Prince Yeonghae (영해군Yeonghae-gunKorean) Yi Jang (이장Yi JangKorean; 1435 - 1477)
- Prince Damyang (담양군Damyang-gunKorean) Yi Geo (이거Yi GeoKorean; 1439 - 1450)
- Notable Half-brothers (from other consorts):**
- King Munjong
- King Sejo (Grand Prince Suyang)
- Prince Anpyeong
- Prince Imyeong
- Prince Geumseong
- Prince Yeongeung
- Prince Yeongpung
- Prince Pyeongwon
- Full-brothers (from Royal Noble Consort Shin):**
3.2. Consorts and Issue
- Principal Consort:** Princess Consort Jeongseon of the Cheongju Han clan (정선군부인 한씨Jeongseongunbuin HanssiKorean; April 12, 1426 - July 27, 1480)
- Children with Princess Consort Jeongseon:**
- First Daughter:** Princess Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan (향주 전주 이씨Hyangju Jeonju IssiKorean; 1441 - ?)
- Married An Gyesong (안계송An GyesongKorean) of the Sunheung Ahn clan
- First Son:** Yi Ye, Prince Yeongwon (영원군 이례Yeongwon-gun Yi RyeKorean; 1450 - June 16, 1513)
- Married Lady Shim of the Cheongsong Shim clan, daughter of Shim Seon
- Second Son:** Yi Suk, Prince Gangyang (강양군 이숙Gangyang-gun Yi SukKorean; 1453 - 1499)
- Adopted as the heir to his uncle, Prince Damyang.
- Married Lady Heo, daughter of Heo Jun, An-ak Gunsa.
- Second Daughter:** Princess Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan (향주 전주 이씨Hyangju Jeonju IssiKorean; 1454 - ?)
- Married Jeong Gyeongjo (정경조Jeong GyeongjoKorean; 1455 - July 1498), fourth son of Jeong Inji.
- Third Daughter:** Princess Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan (향주 전주 이씨Hyangju Jeonju IssiKorean; 1456 - ?)
- Married Han Geum (한금Han GeumKorean) of the Cheongju Han clan.
- Third Son:** Yi Sik, Prince Burim (부림군 이식Burim-gun Yi SikKorean; 1458 - 1489)
- Married Lady Kim of the Andong Kim clan, daughter of Kim Jil.
- First Daughter:** Princess Yi of the Jeonju Yi clan (향주 전주 이씨Hyangju Jeonju IssiKorean; 1441 - ?)
- Children with Princess Consort Jeongseon:**
- Unnamed Concubine** (a palace maid from Uiyeonggo)
- Illegitimate Son:** Yi Ran, Bangsan-su (방산수 이란Bangsan-su Yi RanKorean; 1460 - ?)
- Married Lady Jeong of the Dongnae Jeong clan, daughter of Jeong Gye-eun.
- Illegitimate Daughter:** Married Jeong Jong-seon of the Yeonil Jeong clan.
- Illegitimate Son:** Yi Ran, Bangsan-su (방산수 이란Bangsan-su Yi RanKorean; 1460 - ?)
3.3. Extended Family and Relations
Prince Gyeyang's marriage connected him to several influential families. His father-in-law was Han Hwak, a powerful figure in the Joseon court. His wife's sister was Queen Sohye, who later became Queen Insu and the mother of King Seongjong. This made Prince Gyeyang both a half-uncle and an elder brother-in-law to Crown Prince Uigyeong (later King Deokjong). Furthermore, through the marriages of his children, he established kinship ties with other prominent families, including those of Jeong Inji and Kim Jil.
4. Death and Posthumous
Prince Gyeyang's death was a significant event that deeply affected King Sejo, leading to a period of royal mourning.
4.1. Death
In April 1464, Prince Gyeyang fell ill. His condition worsened, and he passed away on September 26, 1464 (the 16th day of the 8th lunar month). Upon hearing the news of his death, King Sejo expressed profound grief. As a mark of deep mourning, King Sejo ordered the cessation of all court meetings and market activities for three days. He also personally abstained from eating meat during this period, demonstrating his sorrow for his favored half-brother. Historical records indicate that Prince Gyeyang's death was attributed to his indulgence in alcohol and women, a lifestyle that had previously drawn concern from King Sejo regarding his brother, Prince Ikheon.
4.2. Burial and Memorials
Prince Gyeyang was initially interred in Baekseok-ri, Dongchon-myeon, Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi Province. His principal consort, Princess Consort Jeongseon, died on July 27, 1480. She was subsequently buried alongside him on September 18, 1480, in a joint burial arrangement. Later, their graves were relocated and reburied at Myojeoksan (묘적산MyojeoksanKorean) in Ilpae-dong, Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province.
5. Legacy and Cultural Impact
Prince Gyeyang's life and character have been subject to historical evaluation, and he has been depicted in various modern cultural works.
5.1. Historical Evaluation
Historical accounts consistently portray Prince Gyeyang as a man of refined character. He was described as having a gentle nature, an elegant demeanor, and a talent for engaging in conversation. His humility and respectful conduct were notable, and he never leveraged his noble status or power for personal gain or boastfulness. His early life was marked by his father King Sejong's deep affection and his own dedication to scholarly pursuits.
His political actions, particularly his unwavering support for Grand Prince Suyang during the Gyeyu Jeongnan, solidified his position as a key figure in the Joseon court following Sejo's ascension. He was highly trusted by King Sejo and played an active role in various state affairs. However, his personal habits, specifically his excessive consumption of alcohol, are also noted in historical records as a contributing factor to his early demise. This aspect of his life serves as a cautionary note within his otherwise esteemed historical evaluation, highlighting the complexities of even favored royal figures.
5.2. Depictions in Media
Prince Gyeyang's life and role in Joseon history have been featured in South Korean television dramas, bringing his story to a wider audience.
- The King and the Queen (왕과 비Wang-gwa BiKorean), a KBS1 drama aired from June 6, 1998, to March 26, 2000. He was portrayed by actor Yi Seong-yong.
- Insu, The Queen Mother (인수대비Insu DaebiKorean), a JTBC drama aired from December 3, 2011, to June 24, 2012. In this series, he was portrayed by actor Jeon Jin-woo.