King Sunjo of Joseon

Sunjo ascended the throne as a child, and the Andong Kim clan dominated the court through the regency of Queen Dowager Jeongsun. This period saw corruption and factional infighting, weakening the monarchy and central authority.

King Sunjo's reign saw the Sinyu Persecution, a large-scale crackdown on Korean Catholics. Hundreds of believers were executed, including the scholar Hwang Sayeong, who wrote a letter calling for foreign intervention. This persecution strengthened anti-Western sentiment.

A major peasant rebellion led by Hong Gyeong-rae broke out in Pyeongan Province, fueled by heavy taxation and corruption. The rebellion was suppressed after several months, but it exposed the deep social and economic problems in Joseon.