Restoring Yi Seong-gye's Portrait

Yi Seong-gye, estimated to be in his 30s.

A renowned general of the late Goryeo Dynasty and the first king of Joseon. His posthumous title is Taejo (太祖), and his birth name was Seong-gye (成桂). His name after ascending the throne was Dan (旦). He hailed from the northeastern region of Goryeo. Through the Uihwado Counter-coup, he eliminated rivals like Choe Yeong and seized power. With the cooperation and support of the rising military faction and radical neo-Confucians, he overthrew Goryeo in 1392 and founded Joseon. Taejo was the first king of the early Joseon period. He reigned from 1392 to 1398. His name was Yi Seong-gye, and he grew into a major force while repelling invasions from groups like the Red Turbans and Japanese pirates during the late Goryeo era. The Uihwado Counter-coup led him back to Gaegyeong, where he removed Choe Yeong, deposed King U, and then enthroned King Chang, thereby securing political and military control. With the strong backing of the neo-Confucians, he laid the foundation as the representative of the new political forces, ousted King Gongyang, and ascended the throne as Taejo of the new dynasty. He changed the country's name to Joseon and moved the capital to Hanyang, ushering in a new era. However, disappointed by the infighting among his sons over succession, he abdicated and became the former king.