Second and last emperor of the Korean Empire (era Yunghui), enthroned after Gojong’s forced abdication
Right after his accession, the Japan–Korea Treaty of 1907 placed Japanese vice-ministers in every ministry, and a secret annex led to the disbanding of the army. Korea lost its judiciary and prisons to the Giyu Memorandum in 1909 and its police in 1910, and was annexed that year. When he died in 1926, the June Tenth Movement broke out on the day of his funeral.
Using the Hague mission as a pretext, Japan and pro-Japanese ministers forced Gojong to give up the throne to Sunjong, who took the era name Yunghui.
Having removed Gojong, Japan forced a new treaty installing Japanese vice-ministers in every ministry ("government by vice-ministers"); a secret memorandum also disbanded the Korean army.
On the funeral day of Emperor Sunjong, students scattered leaflets and shouted for independence. It brought nationalists and socialists together.
First prime minister of Japan who forced the 1905 protectorate treaty and became the first Resident-General; shot by Ahn Jung-geun at Harbin
One of the Five Eulsa Traitors; as prime minister he signed the 1907 treaty, the 1909 memorandum and the annexation treaty
From Hanseong Baekje to the June Democratic Struggle — the Han River land every kingdom fought for, and Joseon’s capital for five centuries