Princess Yi Deokhye, the last princess of the Korean Empire, was born on May 25, 1912.
His parents were Emperor Gojong and his concubine, Boknyeong Dang.
Emperor Gojong, born in 1852, was the last monarch of the Joseon Dynasty and the first emperor of the Korean Empire, reigning until 1907.
He is known for his efforts to modernize Korea and attempts to maintain the country's independence during a period of increasing colonial pressure from Japan.
Boknyeong Dang, whose birth name was Yang Gwi-in, was one of Gojong's royal concubines and gave birth to Princess Deokhye during a difficult time for the Korean royal family. Despite her position as a concubine, Boknyeong Dang played a significant role in the princess's life, even though their lives were profoundly affected by the Japanese occupation of Korea, which began in 1910.
Princess Deokhye grew up in an atmosphere of political and social turbulence. After Emperor Gojong's death in 1919, the princess was sent to Japan to continue her studies, a common fate for members of the royal family during the Japanese occupation.
Sadly, Princess Deokhye's story is one of loss and sadness, reflecting the hardships of the Korean people during that dark time in history.
At the age of thirteen, Deokhye was sent to study in Japan, where she was treated more like a political pawn than royalty. In 1931, she was forced to marry Japanese nobleman Takeyuki So, a marriage that brought neither happiness nor stability.
The princess suffered from mental problems and faced a series of personal tragedies, including the loss of her only daughter Masae, who died at the age of 19 under mysterious circumstances leaving great doubt as to how she died. . Her physical and mental health, tested by her latest pain, only worsened her condition, leading her to live a life of loneliness and suffering.
Finally, in 1962, after years of attempts by the Korean government and various supporters, Princess Deokhye was allowed to return to Korea.
His return marked an emotional and symbolic moment for many Koreans, representing a connection to the royal past and a reconciliation with the country's history. The princess lived her last years in Seoul, where she received care and attention until her death in 1989. Her story is one of the saddest and most melancholy stories for Koreans, who remember this unfortunate Princess in every way, as if still wanting to protect her from all the pain that permeated her existence and her entire life.
In Seoul you can visit his last royal home: the Deokhyeonggung Royal Palace.
A fascinating symbol of South Korea's cultural heritage and history, this palace is one of the royal residences built during the Joseon Dynasty, a period that saw the flourishing of Korean art, culture and architecture.
Despite political turmoil and foreign invasions, the Deokhye Royal Palace has remained a bastion of elegance and sophistication, reflecting the aesthetic tastes and craftsmanship of the era.
The palace is known for its enchanting gardens, elegant pavilions and serene ponds, which offer a tranquil retreat in the heart of the bustling capital. Each structure within the complex has been designed with meticulous precision, using natural materials such as wood and stone, in harmony with the Confucian philosophy which favors balance and harmony with nature.
This historical site is not only a tourist attraction, but also a place of great educational importance, where visitors can learn more about the traditions and daily life of the Korean royal family.
Today, Deokhye Royal Palace is a living testament to South Korea's cultural resilience. Through careful restorations and conservation programs, the palace has been preserved for future generations, allowing anyone to explore and appreciate the rich legacy of the Joseon Dynasty. Visiting the Deokhye Royal Palace offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in history, admire traditional architecture and enjoy the timeless beauty of its gardens.
Walking in this place, it feels like going back in time, and it is not difficult to imagine with your imagination, the people and characters of that time, you might even think you can glimpse Princess Deokhye herself sitting near the lake, after all I am sure that her soul is still here, serene and smiling, finally at home.
Paola Pelissa