A Troubled Heir
Crown Prince Sado, born in 1735, was the son of King Yeongjo of Joseon, Korea. From a young age, he displayed troubling behaviors that strained his relationship with his father. Reports suggest he suffered from mental illness, which worsened over time.
Acts of Violence
By adulthood, Sado’s erratic behavior became violent. He was accused of murdering palace servants and exhibiting uncontrollable rages. His actions alarmed the court and created tensions within the royal family.
A Grim Decision
In 1762, King Yeongjo made the unprecedented decision to order Sado’s execution. Unwilling to spill royal blood directly, he commanded that Sado be confined in a large rice chest. After eight days in the summer heat, Sado died of dehydration and starvation.
A Controversial Legacy
Crown Prince Sado’s death remains one of the most controversial events in Korean history. His wife, Lady Hyegyeong, documented the events in her memoirs, shedding light on the political and familial pressures that surrounded the tragic incident.
Crown Prince Sado, born in 1735, was the son of King Yeongjo of Joseon, Korea. From a young age, he displayed troubling behaviors that strained his relationship with his father. Reports suggest he suffered from mental illness, which worsened over time. pic.twitter.com/ueigYRjMP7
— Detective Tiger’s Stories (@TigerDetective) December 6, 2024