King Gojong of Korea

Gojong's government implemented the Gabo Reforms, a series of modernization measures including the abolition of slavery, reform of the civil service exam, and adoption of a solar calendar. These reforms aimed to strengthen Korea against foreign encroachment.

King Gojong proclaimed the Korean Empire, declaring himself Emperor Gwangmu. This was an attempt to assert Korea's sovereignty and independence from foreign influence, particularly China and Japan, and to modernize the state.

Gojong's government was forced to sign the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1905, which made Korea a Japanese protectorate. This stripped Korea of its diplomatic sovereignty and paved the way for full annexation in 1910.

Gojong was forced to abdicate by the Japanese Resident-General, Ito Hirobumi, after he sent a secret envoy to the Hague Peace Conference to protest Japanese control. This led to the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1907, which increased Japanese control over Korea.

Gojong died suddenly, with rumors of poisoning by Japanese authorities. His death sparked the March 1st Movement, a nationwide protest against Japanese rule, which became a pivotal event in the Korean independence movement.