Shi Jingtang vs Uijong of Goryeo

Shi Jingtang, a general of Later Tang, rebelled against Emperor Li Congke. He sought help from the Khitan Liao dynasty, promising territorial concessions in return for military support.

With Khitan support, Shi Jingtang defeated Later Tang and proclaimed himself emperor, founding the Later Jin dynasty. He ruled as a vassal of the Liao emperor, paying tribute and acknowledging Liao suzerainty.

Shi Jingtang formally ceded the Sixteen Prefectures of the Youyun region to the Khitan Liao dynasty as payment for their aid. This territorial loss weakened Chinese defenses and gave the Liao a strategic foothold for centuries.

Shi Jingtang died, leaving a weak successor. His death triggered a power struggle that led to the Later Jin's eventual conquest by the Liao dynasty in 947.

Uijong's reign was marked by favoritism toward civil officials and neglect of the military, including unfair promotions and insults. This created deep resentment among generals, culminating in the 1170 coup.

General Jeong Jung-bu led a coup against King Uijong, who had neglected military officials in favor of civil scholars. The king was deposed and exiled to Geojedo Island, marking the beginning of a century of military rule in Goryeo.

After being deposed, Uijong was exiled to Geojedo Island, where he was later murdered in 1173 on the orders of the military regime. His death eliminated any possibility of a royal restoration.