Queen Min became a symbol of progress and independence in Korea. She instilled reforms in the face of adversity between Conservatives and Progressives around her.

Barely 16, she became known as Her Royal Highness, Queen Min. She had an assertive and ambitious personality, unlike other queens. Also unlike other queens: “she didn’t enjoy lavish parties, rarely wore extravagant clothing,  and almost never hosted afternoon tea parties with the royal family” (New World Encyclopedia).

Overall, she was more interested in the well-being of the nation than social gatherings  which had no benefit to the nation. She was well educated and taught herself philosophy, history, science, politics and religion. Overall she had “greater political skill and intelligence than her husband” (New World Encyclopedia).

Queen Min’s life ended brutally and tragically in what has been named the Eulmi Incident. Evidence accepted by all parties indicates that Japanese soldiers, with the full compliance of the Japanese government in Tokyo and consul in Korea, butchered her on the royal palace grounds in the early morning hours.. Japanese assassins attacked her in her private quarters, killed her with samuri swords, dragged her body outside and burned her remains.

Her long impactful life was ended tragically but although this brutal murder killed her, it didn’t kill the hope for the future of Korea. She was a political powerhead and a symbol of progressive reforms.

 

“Empress Myeongseong.” – New World Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Nov. 2016.