Queen Shin Deok
Queen Shin Deok was the second wife of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, and the first queen of Joseon. Her title was "Hyunbi" and her posthumous name (given after death) was "Sunwonhyeongyeongshin Deok Wanghu". She was also a political advisor to King Taejo Yi Seong-gye, and in 1899, during the reign of Gojong of the Korean Empire, she was posthumously honored as "Shindukgohwanghu" (elevated status after death).
Birth and Family Background
Queen Shin Deok was the daughter of Sangsan Buwongun Kang Yoon-seong and Jin-san Bu Bu-in Kang. Her family originated from Goksan. Her ancestors were maternal relatives of King Taejo Wang Geon of Goryeo, and she was born as a noblewoman (daughter of a powerful noble) during the reign of King Chung-hye of Goryeo. Her grandfather Kang Seo was appointed as Sangsan Buwongun, becoming the founder of the Goksan Kang clan. Her father Kang Yoon-seong held high-ranking positions and was posthumously honored with titles, while her uncle (father's brother) was married to Yi Ja-hyung, the elder brother of King Taejo Yi Seong-gye's father.
Meeting with Yi Seong-gye
The story of how Yi Seong-gye first met Kang is very famous. One day, Yi Seong-gye was hunting tigers and got thirsty, so he searched for a well and found Kang there. Yi Seong-gye asked her for water, and she floated willow leaves on the water before giving it to him. When Yi Seong-gye scolded her, she explained that she did it because drinking cold water too quickly might cause harm. Yi Seong-gye was impressed by her wisdom and beauty, and this story became widely known.
Contribution to the Founding of Joseon
When Yi Seong-gye fell from his horse and was seriously injured in 1392, Kang sent Yi Bang-won (King Taejong) to Ha-ju to bring Yi Seong-gye back to Gaegyeong, preventing Jeong Mong-ju from eliminating him. When Yi Bang-won sent assassins to kill Jeong Mong-ju, Kang calmed the furious Yi Seong-gye, resolving the conflict between father and son. Kang was known for her abilities and decisiveness, and she later became the first queen of Joseon, titled "Hyunbi."
Appointment as Queen and Crown Prince
At the time of her marriage, Kang was about 20 years younger than Yi Seong-gye, who already had grown children with his first wife, Queen Sineui Han. Kang intended to make her son Uian Daegun the crown prince, bypassing the sons of Queen Sineui Han. This caused significant opposition from Queen Sineui's children. Eventually, Yi Seong-gye named Queen Shin Deok's son, Bang-seok, as the crown prince, causing great anger in Bang-won, the fifth son of Queen Sineui Han.
Tragedy and Humiliation after Her Death
Queen Shin Deok passed away on September 15, 1396. King Taejo was deeply sorrowful and built a small temple near her tomb, offering incense every morning and evening. After the completion of Heungcheonsa Temple, he would only enter his bedchamber after hearing the bell toll for the rituals at Queen Shin Deok's tomb and only eat after hearing the prayers for her.
Not long after Queen Shin Deok's death, the first prince's rebellion occurred, and her son Uian Daegun, along with her other sons, were all eliminated. Her son-in-law was also killed, and her daughter Gyeongsun Princess became a nun. The appointment of Queen Shin Deok's son as crown prince led to the development of systems related to discrimination between legitimate and illegitimate children. After becoming king, Taejong Yi Bang-won demoted Queen Shin Deok to a concubine and relocated her tomb (Jeongneung) outside the capital. He ordered the complete removal of the tomb's mound, used the stones from Jeongneung's structure to repair Gwangtonggyo Bridge, and degraded the rites offered to her to those of a concubine.
Restoration of Her Status and Legacy
The issue of restoring Queen Shin Deok's status continued to be discussed, and in 1669 (10th year of King Hyeonjong's reign), King Hyeonjong accepted Song Si-yeol's appeal, restoring Queen Shin Deok's status and enshrining her in the Jongmyo Shrine. Jeongneung was also restored as a royal tomb.
Queen Shin Deok greatly contributed to the founding of Joseon and demonstrated political decisiveness and courage. However, it is unfortunate that her children met tragic ends due to political turmoil.
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