Murder, misery and mercy: Boy-king's life brutally cut short

Jangpanok ― where the memorial tablets of loyal supporters who dedicated their lives to Danjong are held. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

By Robert Neff

A painting of Danjong going into exile. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

There are many dark pages in the tomes of Korean history but one of the saddest is the tale of Danjong.

Born in 1441, his life began with misery. His mother, Queen Hyeondeok, died giving birth. His father, King Munjong, died in 1452. At the age of 12, Danjong was made king but his reign was short-lived.

His uncle ― who came to be known as King Sejo ― plotted against his nephew and forced him to abdicate in 1855.

Danjong was then exiled to Yeongwol County in Gangwon Province. He was escorted to his place of banishment by Wang Bang-yeon, a court official. Not much is known about Wang but he may have developed a degree of respect for the boy and would later rue his role in Danjong's demise.

Life was not easy for the boy. He was separated from his young wife ― Queen Jeongseon ― and everything he valued. He was probably convinced (and rightly so) that he would have a very short life.

In the autumn of 1457, a plot to restore Danjong to the throne was foiled. A court official suggested to King Sejo that Danjong should be punished with a poisonous draught for his disloyal acts. Sejo refused and justified it by citing the tale of a Chinese emperor who, instead of executing his younger sibling for rebellion, forgave him. Sejo's forgiveness, however, did not extend to other family members.

Despite his initial mercy, Sejo realized his nephew would always be a threat to his reign and needed to be removed permanently. According to Homer Hulbert, the king ― "with apparent reluctance" - commanded Wang Bang-yeon to return to Yeongwol and give Danjong a drink laced with poison. However, when Wang arrived, his "hardihood failed him and instead of giving the boy the poison he prostrated himself" before the former king.

Eom Heung-do Jeongyeogak ― a pavilion dedicated to him and his family for their willingness to risk "three generations of punishment" to rescue Danjong's corpse. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

A man named Kong Sang, realizing Wang had failed, "came up behind the banished king and strangled him with a cord." Apparently Kong hoped to be rewarded by King Sejo for his daring act but instead was punished by the gods for his betrayal to the ex-monarch. As he turned to leave the room, blood suddenly "burst from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth and he fell dead beside the body of his victim."

There were other deaths. Danjong's body was unceremoniously thrown into the river and a royal decree was issued that whoever recovered and buried it would be "punished for three generations."

Some of the palace women who had accompanied Danjong to his place of exile were so distraught with grief over his death that they "threw themselves into the [river] and perished."

Jeongjagak Pavilion ― where Danjong's memorial services were held. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

The very night of Danjong's murder, Sejo's sleep was haunted by the appearance of Danjong's mother who denounced him for his evil and left him with this malediction: "You have stolen the throne and killed my son. Yours too shall die."

When Sejo awoke, he discovered the curse had been fulfilled ― Deokjong (the crown prince and his eldest son) was dead at the age of 20. In fury, Sejo had Danjong's mother's tomb dug up and her bones and remains scattered into a river.

Hulbert's account grows even more fantastic.

"Tradition says that the next seven magistrates who were appointed to the district where this foul murder was perpetrated died on the very night of their arrival. The eighth made it his first duty to go to the grave of the murdered king and sacrifice before it and write an elegy upon him. From that time there was no more trouble."

Danjong's tomb. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

Was it Danjong's wandering spirit that exacted revenge on these magistrates for their lack of respect? Perhaps, but we do know. Despite Sejo's dire threat of punishment, Eom Heung-do, a resident of Yeongwol, secretly recovered the boy-king's corpse and buried it in the mountains. His loyalty is still remembered today.

Hulbert's narrative is an enjoyable read but is obviously a mixture of fact and legend. But so much of Danjong's history is a mystery filled with contradictions and errors ― some intentional.

On October 21, 1457 (lunar), it was reported that Danjong had committed suicide by hanging himself after learning of his father-in-law's execution.

Below Danjong's tomb, some visitors and guides dressed in Korean traditional clothing. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

Danjong's death was likely brought about by poison. Wang remorsefully acknowledged in a poem he wrote that he gave the boy-king the poisonous drink.

More than likely, Danjong knew he was being poisoned but stoically met his fate (at least I like to think so). But even the date is uncertain. Some sources claim it took place on October 21 (solar November 7) while the placards at the tomb in Yeongwol state it took place on October 24. They don't indicate whether it is a lunar or solar date.

Yeongwol continues to honor the memory of the boy-king with a festival held on the last Friday in April.

The forest surrounding the tomb area. It is said that the trees around Danjong's residence all face toward the building in reverence to the boy-king. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

A signboard giving the history of the tomb. It states Danjong was murdered on October 24, 1457. Robert Neff Collection, 2017

The magical well of Yeongcheon ― it is said to fill up during Hansik. Robert Neff collection, 2017

Robert Neff has authored and co-authored several books including, Letters from Joseon, Korea Through Western Eyes and Brief Encounters.