House of Ki

From Roses, Tulips, & Liberty
House of Ki
Parent familyHengdjoe Ki clan
Founded23 June 1883
FounderTedjo
Final rulerHjodjo
Historic seatHengdjoe, Kojang, Kyanggi, Corea
TitlesKing of Corea
Deposition1936

The House of Ki (Corean: 행주 기씨, 幸州 奇氏), also known as the Ki dynasty (also transcribed as Gi, Kie, and Ky) is a Corean clan which provided the monarchs of the Sjakwang dynasty (1883–1936), Poeja (1889–1936), and Haboek (1931–1936). A nobleman from the Ki clan, Ki Ripbam, established the Sjakwang dynasty in the late 19th century, ending the 491-year Tsjosjan dynasty. The Ki dynasty was the sixteenth and last royal family to rule Corea. After their exile from the country in the late Great War period, most members settled in Tauland, Viet Nam, and Tussenland.

History

The Hengdjoe Ki clan is one of the oldest clans in Corea, claiming to be descendants of the semi-legendary 11th century BC sage and ruler Kidja. The clan's ancestors moved south and founded a principality within the Mahan confederacy before being expelled and settling in Hengdjoe, now a district of the modern city of Kojang. During the Korjo dynasty, several members of the clan were involved in the military and government. Among these was Ki Taksang, a military official who participated in the Musjin rebellion of 1170 which plunged the country into a century of martial rule. Empress Ki, the daughter of military official Ki Ja-o, became an empress consort of the Chinese emperor Toghon Temür. The 14th century empress remains the most acclaimed member of the Ki clan to this day.

Throughout the Tsjosjan dynasty, members of the clan served as military officials, politicians, and royal consorts. In the 19th century, notable scholar of the Kiho and Nosa schools Ki Tsjangdjin gained prominence as a critic of government policies and extensive Dutch military influence in the country. His son, Ki Ripbam, participated in the Gjemi Coup of 1883, overthrowing the Ji family and establishing the short-lived Sjakwang dynasty.

See also