Queen Sapyeong of the Jeonju Yi clan (Korean사평왕후 이씨; Hanja思平王后 李氏; 1158 – ?) was the first and primary wife of King Gangjong of Goryeo when he was still a crown prince who just reigned for 9 months. Descended from Yi Yongbu, she would become the first cousin fifth removed to Yi Seonggye and only royal wife in Korean history who was born and came from the Jeonju Yi clan.

Queen Sapyeong
사평왕후
Crown Princess of Goryeo
Tenure3rd month 1174 – 12th month 1174
(lunar calendar)
Coronation1174
PredecessorCrown Princess Wang
SuccessorCrown Princess Yu
Born1158
Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, Goryeo
Diedfl.1174
Goryeo
Spouse
(m. 1174⁠–⁠1174)
IssuePrincess Suryeong
Posthumous name
Sapyeong (사평, 思平; "Thoughtful and Peaceful")
HouseJeonju Yi (by birth)
House of Wang (by marriage)
FatherYi Ui-bang
MotherLady Jo
ReligionBuddhism

Biography edit

Early life edit

The future Queen Sapyeong was born into the Jeonju Yi clan as the only daughter of Yi Ui-bang,[1] son of Yi Yong-bu and Lady Jo in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province.

Marriage and later life edit

In 1174, she married Crown Prince Wang Suk as his primary and first wife since her father had a big influence in the court. However, after 5 months reign, her father was assassinated in the coup led by Jeong Gyun (정균),[2] son of Jeong Jung-bu (정중부),[3] which she later expelled from her position and out the palace according to the opinion that,

"You cannot have the rebel's daughter as a spouse and companion for you."
"반역자의 딸을 동궁의 배필로 둘 수 없다."

After her husband's ascension to the throne, she then received her title back and posthumously honoured as a Queen Consort. The couple had a daughter who later married Wang Chun, Duke Hawon (왕춘 하원공).[4][5]

After that, her whereabouts has not appeared in both of Goryeosa or Goryeosajeolyo.

Family edit

  • Father: Yi Ui-bang (이의방; 李義方; 1121 – 12 January 1174)
    • Grandfather: Yi Yong-bu (이용부; 李勇夫; 1102 – ?)
    • Grandmother: Lady Lee of the Incheon Lee clan (인천 이씨; 1102 – ?); youngest daughter of Lee Ho (이호, 李顥; 1040-?)
  • Mother: Lady Jo (조씨; 曺氏) (1134 – ?); Yi Ui-bang’s second wife
  • Husband: Crown Prince Wang Suk (황태자 왕숙; 10 May 1152 – 26 October 1213); son of King Myeongjong and Queen Uijeong.

In popular culture edit

References edit

  1. ^ "고려시대 史料 Database". Goryeosa (in Korean). Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  2. ^ "고려시대 史料 Database". Goryeosa (in Korean). Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  3. ^ "고려시대 史料 Database". Goryeosa (in Korean). Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  4. ^ "고려시대 史料 Database". Goryeosa (in Korean). Retrieved September 8, 2021.
  5. ^ "고려시대 史料 Database". Goryeosa (in Korean). Retrieved September 8, 2021.

External links edit