Prince Yi Un, also known as Crown Prince Uimin, was born on October 20, 1897, at Deoksu Palace in Seoul, South Korea. He was the seventh son of Emperor Gojong, also known as the Gwangmu Emperor, and his mother was the Honorable Princess Consort Eom Seon-yeong, a palace attendant. Despite being born into royalty, Yi Un's childhood was not without challenges.
As a young prince, Yi Un was overshadowed by his older siblings, including his older half-brother, Emperor Sunjong, who would later become the last Emperor of Korea. Despite this, Yi Un was titled Prince Imperial Yeong in 1900, and in 1907, he became the crown prince, a position that traditionally belonged to his older half-brother, Prince Ui.
In December 1907, Prince Yi Un was sent to Japan at the behest of Itō Hirobumi to enroll at the prestigious Gakushūin Peers' School. There, he received special attention from Japanese Emperor Meiji, who acted as his guardian. Yi Un's education in Japan continued as he graduated from the Imperial Japanese Army Academy in 1917, followed by the Army Staff College in 1923.
Despite his small stature, Prince Yi Un excelled in music and martial arts during his time at the Army Central Youth School in Tokyo. His dedication to his studies and military training set him apart as a diligent and disciplined young prince.
In 1920, Prince Yi Un married Princess Masako of Nashimoto, the eldest daughter of Prince Nashimoto Morimasa. The marriage strengthened ties between the Korean Imperial House and the Japanese nobility. Despite the political implications of his marriage, Yi Un's devotion to his wife and family remained unwavering.
As a member of the Korean royal family, Yi Un faced numerous challenges during a tumultuous period in Korea's history. In 1910, Korea was annexed by Japan, leading to the forced abdication of Emperor Sunjong and the end of the Korean Empire. Yi Un's royal status was later stripped under the American Occupation of Japan in 1947, leaving him stateless as Korea gained independence from the Empire of Japan.
Despite the hardships he faced, Prince Yi Un's legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and determination. In November 1963, Korean President Park Chung-hee granted permission for Yi Un and his wife, Crown Princess Bangja, to return to Korea after years of exile. Their return marked a significant moment in Korean history, as Yi Un reclaimed his place within the country he once called home.
Prince Yi Un's life story serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of the Korean people, and his journey from a young prince to an exiled royal showcases the challenges and triumphs of a tumultuous era in Korean history.