King Cheoljong

Cheoljong (1831-1864) was the 25th king of Joseon (r. 1849-1864). Though of royal blood, he grew up on Ganghwa Island living much like a commoner, earning the nickname "the Ganghwa lad" before being unexpectedly placed on the throne. During his reign, in-law politics (sedo jeongchi) dominated by clans such as the Andong Kim reached its peak, and the resulting corruption and exploitation helped spark the Imsul Peasant Uprising of 1862, when farmers rose up in regions across the country.