Grand Prince Ŭian (; 1382 – 6 October 1398), personal name Yi Pangsŏk, was the youngest son of King Taejo, the founder of Joseon. Through the machinations of his mother, Queen Sindeok, he was appointed as the first crown prince of Joseon at the age of 10, bypassing the adult sons born to his father's first wife. He was subsequently killed in a coup d'état orchestrated by his half-brothers who, having contributed to their father's achievements and the founding of the new dynasty, were dissatisfied with Taejo's disregard for them and excessive favor toward their stepmother and her children.
Biography Early life Yi Pangsŏk was the younger son of Goryeo general Yi Sŏnggye and his second wife, Lady Kang. Yi Sŏnggye had two wives, both of whom were his legitimate wives. In 1392, Yi Sŏnggye founded Joseon and became its first king (posthumously King Taejo), while Lady Kang became its first queen (posthumously Queen Sindeok).
As crown prince Yi Pangsŏk was named crown prince on 15 September 1392, one month after Joseon's founding, despite having one elder full-brother and six elder half-brothers.
In 1393, his wife, Crown Princess Yu, committed adultery with an eunuch named Yi Man (이만), which resulted in punishment for both.《Annals of the Joseon Dynasty》 Volume 3 of the Annals of King Taejo, the second year of King Taejo reign (1393). On this day, Crown Princess Yu was deposed and Yi Man was beheaded. Crown Princess Yu was deposed and banished whereas Yi Man was beheaded. Lady Shim was chosen as Yi Pangsŏk's new wife the following year; she was the daughter of Shim Hyosaeng (심효생), a high-ranking official and ally of Chŏng Tojŏn.Volume 12 of King Taejo Annals, the sixth year of King Taejo reign (1397). The process of appointing Hyeonbin Shim as Crown Princess is briefly described.
On 23 September 1396, Queen Sindeok, Yi Pangsŏk's mother and strongest supporter, died.
First Strife of the Princes In October 1398, the First Strife of the Princes took place under the leadership of Prince Chŏngan (posthumously King Taejong). Yi Pangsŏk personally led the army against Prince Chŏngan's forces stationed in front of Gwanghwamun Gate, but refused to confront the rebels after an officer named Bong Wonryang (봉원량) reported that, "From Gwanghwamun to Namsan, the elite cavalry is fully equipped."Volume 14 of King Taejo Annals, the seventh year of King Taejo reign (1398). Based on Bong Won-ryang's account, it can be assumed that the number of forces mobilized in the First Strife of the Princes was very large. However, later on in the annals, there is a report that lists the number of soldiers accompanying Prince Jeongan as only a few dozen people.
After the deaths of opposition figures such as Chŏng Tojŏn, Nam Ŭn (남은), Shim Hyosaeng, and Park Wi (박위), Prince Chŏngan's faction had Yi Pangsŏk replaced with Taejo's eldest surviving son, Prince Yŏngan (posthumously King Jeongjong).
Yi Pangsŏk, now the deposed crown prince, was to be exiled and left Gyeongbokgung through Yeongchumun Gate shortly thereafter. The forces of Prince Chŏngan, including Yi Geoyi (이거이), the father-in-law of Princess Kyŏngsin (경신공주), colluded with the Supreme Council of State (도평의사사), and had Yi Pangsŏk assassinated. His elder brother, Yi Pangbon (이방번), and brother-in-law, Yi Je (이제), were also eliminated.
After death Yi Pangsŏk was buried in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Province, and later received the posthumous name Sodo (소도).
In 1680, King Sukjong honored Yi Pangsŏk and Yi Pangbon as Grand Prince Ŭian (의안대군) and Grand Prince Muan (무안대군), respectively.
Family Father: King Taejo (; 4 November 1335 – 27 June 1408) Grandfather: Yi Chach'un (), King Hwanjo (; 1315 – 3 May 1360) Grandmother: Queen Ŭihye (), of the Yeongheung Ch'oe clan (; ?–1336) Mother: Queen Sindeok (), of the Goksan Kang clan (; 20 July 1356 – 23 September 1396) Grandfather: Kang Yunsŏng (), Internal Prince Sangsan (; ?–1358) Grandmother: Internal Princess Consort Jinsan (), of the Jinju Kang clan () Stepmother: Queen Sinŭi (), of the Cheongju Han clan (; 6 October 1337 – 25 November 1391) Consort(s) and their respective issue Deposed Crown Princess (), of the Yu clan () Crown Princess (), of the Buyu Shim clan (; ?–1448) Unnamed son (1398–?) Yi Yu (), Grand Prince Geumseong (; 14 May 1526 – 16 November 1457), adopted son
Ancestry
In popular culture
Portrayed by Yang Hee-seok in the 1996–1998 KBS1 TV series Tears of the Dragon. Portrayed by Park Joon-mok in the 2014 KBS1 TV series Jeong Do-jeon. Portrayed by Lee Seung-woo and Jung Yoon-seok in the 2015–2016 SBS TV series Six Flying Dragons. Portrayed by Kim Min-ho and Lee Hyo-je in the 2019 JTBC TV series My Country: The New Age. Portrayed by Jang Jae-ha and Kim Jin-sung in the 2021 KBS1 TV series The King of Tears, Lee Bang-won. Portrayed by Park Si-won in the 2025 tvN series The Queen Who Crowns.
See also History of Korea Styles and titles in Joseon
Notes
References