Political and Historical Significance of King Hyeonjong"s Queen Sindeok"s Jongmyo Chubu

A groundbreaking re-evaluation of King Hyeonjong's 260-year delayed inclusion of Queen Sindeok (Queen Sindek) in Jongmyo Shrine reveals its profound political and historical significance. The study demonstrates that this act was not merely a restoration of royal lineage but a strategic response to the controversial 'Giheayesong' incident, which had previously excluded Queen Sindeok on grounds of her being a concubine. Song Si-yeol's re-entry into politics and his advocacy for Queen Sindeok's inclusion were pivotal in dismantling the narrative that had demeaned her status. The study further illustrates how this inclusion was justified through the reinterpretation of historical records, including an edict from the Ming Dynasty, which emphasized Queen Sindeok's role as a national mother (guomo). This political maneuver not only addressed the controversy surrounding King Hyeonjong but also reinforced the legitimacy of subsequent queens, such as Inmok and Jangryeol, by linking their status to historical precedents. The spatial arrangement of rituals during the inclusion process reflects deliberate efforts to connect Queen Sindeok's legacy with those of other revered queens, underscoring its significance in Korean royal history.

Yoon, J. (2022). Political and Historical Significance of King Hyeonjong”s Queen Sindeok”s Jongmyo Chubu. The Journal of History and Practical Thought Studies, 77, 43–93. https://doi.org/10.31335/hpts.2022.04.77.43