Gangjong of Goryeo

Gangjong became king after his brother Huijong was deposed by Choe Chung-heon. His reign coincided with the first Mongol invasions of Goryeo, though he had no authority to direct military policy.

Like his predecessors, Gangjong was a puppet king under the Choe military dictatorship. All major decisions, including responses to the Mongol threat, were made by Choe Chung-heon and his private army.

Gangjong died in 1213, just as Mongol forces under Genghis Khan began their first major campaign against Goryeo. His brief reign of two years saw no significant policy changes, and the Choe regime continued to dominate.