Queen Sasuk

Queen Sasuk of the Gyeongwon Yi clan (Korean: 사숙왕후 이씨; Hanja: 思肅王后 李氏; c.1065 – c.1107) was a Korean Goryeo queen consort as the second wife of her first cousin, King Seonjong of Goryeo,¹ and the mother of his successor, King Heonjong. She was the Regent of Goryeo during the minority of her son in 1094 and 1095. Princess Wonsin, Princess Janggyeong, Yi Cha-gyŏm, and Yi Cha-ryang were her first cousins while Lady Jeongsin was her first cousin once removed.

Biography

Marriage and Palace life

She married Seonjong, the second son of her aunt, Queen Inye, when he was still Duke Gukwon (국원공) and then became Concubine of Duke Gukwon (국원공빈; 國原公賓). But after his first wife's death, she formally became Duchess Consort Gukwon (국원공비; 國原公妃) and lived in the Duke's manor (공부; 公府) until his ascension.² In 1083, he ascended the throne and following this, she was given the royal title of Consort Yeonhwa (연화궁비; 延和宮妃) while living in Yeonhwa Palace (연화궁; 延和宮). They later had a son in June 1084 and 2 daughters.³ But, misfortune befell on them with their eldest daughter died too early after birth⁴ and the other daughter was born blind and would not have a chance to marry.⁵

Regency and death

Meanwhile, King Seonjong died in 1094 due to his illness and their only young son became the new King, Heonjong. Because the new king was just 11 years old at this time, his mother then became and acted as his regent who presided over and executed all government affairs including military and administrative affairs. As a queen mother, she moved to Yeongnyeong Mansion (영녕부; 永寧府) in Junghwa Hall (중화전; 中和殿) from her reigned day on 1 June in order to purpose the strengthening of the royal power. In other words, she went directly to the court and observed the court affairs, also her orders was "Je" (제; 制) that corresponded to the King's orders and commands.