King U of Goryeo

MedievalEmperorKorea1365 — 1389

Deposed king alleged to be not of royal blood.

Compare King U of Goryeo with another historical figure:

Quick Facts

Born

1365

Died

1389

Country

Korea

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)20

Political (20%)35

Influence (20%)46

Legacy (20%)36

Leadership (15%)50

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score39.6

King U of Goryeo — Complete Timeline

1374 AD

Ascended Throne with Yuan SupportPolitical Action◆ Major

King U became king at age 9 after the death of King Gongmin, with support from the Yuan court. His youth and alleged illegitimate birth (rumored to be the son of a Buddhist monk) made his rule controversial from the start.

Child KingSuccessionControversy

Impact: national

1388 AD

Deposed by Yi Seong-gyePolitical Action

King U was deposed by General Yi Seong-gye (later King Taejo of Joseon) after Yi's coup. Yi accused U of being unfit to rule and of plotting against the state, and placed U's son King Chang on the throne as a puppet.

CoupDepositionYi Seong-gye

Impact: nationaldestructive

1389 AD

Killed by Yi Seong-gye's ForcesOther◆ Major

King U was executed along with his son King Chang by Yi Seong-gye's forces, after Yi decided to eliminate all potential rivals. This brutal act cleared the way for Yi to establish the Joseon dynasty in 1392.

ExecutionPolitical PurgeEnd of Dynasty

Impact: nationaltragic