Taejong (Yi Bangwon)

Taejong, born Yi Bang-won, was the fifth son of King Taejo (Yi Seong-gye) and seized power through two Strifes of the Princes to become the third king of Joseon (reigned 1400–1418). He established the system by which the Six Ministries reported directly to the throne, abolished the private armies kept by officials, and introduced the identity-tag (hopae) law requiring subjects to carry proof of status. These measures curbed the power of the aristocracy and strengthened royal authority, laying a foundation for the stable rule of the Joseon dynasty that followed.