Sunjong of Korea vs Tahmasp I

Sunjong became the last emperor of Korea after his father Gojong was forced to abdicate by Japan. His reign was largely ceremonial, with real power held by the Japanese Resident-General. He was a symbolic figurehead during the final years of Korean sovereignty.

Sunjong was forced to sign the treaty that formally annexed Korea into the Japanese Empire. The treaty ended the Korean Empire and Joseon dynasty, beginning 35 years of Japanese colonial rule. Sunjong was stripped of all political power and reduced to a figurehead.

Sunjong died at Changdeokgung Palace, marking the end of the Joseon royal line. His funeral was a major event that sparked renewed Korean nationalist sentiment, though it was heavily monitored by Japanese authorities. He was the last Korean monarch.

Tahmasp I faced multiple revolts by the Qizilbash tribal forces who had supported the Safavid rise. He suppressed these rebellions, executing several Qizilbash leaders and reducing their political influence, thereby consolidating royal authority and centralizing power.

Tahmasp I provided refuge to the Mughal emperor Humayun after his defeat by Sher Shah Suri. Humayun stayed at the Safavid court for over a year, and Tahmasp provided military support for Humayun's reconquest of India, strengthening Safavid-Mughal relations.

Tahmasp I moved the Safavid capital from Tabriz to Qazvin to distance the court from Ottoman threats and to better control the northern provinces. This relocation shifted the political center of the empire and influenced subsequent Safavid administrative policies.

Tahmasp I signed the Treaty of Amasya with the Ottoman Empire, ending decades of war. The treaty established a border dividing Georgia and Armenia between the two empires, with the Ottomans gaining Iraq and the Safavids retaining Azerbaijan and the Caucasus. This peace lasted for over 20 years.