World War II Database

Yi Eu was born at Deoksu Palace in Seoul to Korean Emperor Gojong and his second wife Princess Sunheon. At the age of 3, Yi was given the title of Prince Imperial Yeong, and at the age of 10 Crown Prince. In Dec 1907, he went to Japan to begin his studies. On 28 Apr 1920, he married Japanese Princess Masako Nashimotonomiya. On 24 Apr 1926, upon his father's death, he became King Yi of Korea; note that unlike his father who held the title of emperor, his title was only that of a king, and his title was held only as a pretender as Korea had been fully annexed into Japanese borders by 1910. After his death, he was posthumously given the title Crown Prince Euimin; being known as a crown prince instead of a king reflected his status as a powerless leader of his country.

Between 1935 and 1937, Crown Prince Euimin served in the Japanese Army as the commanding officer of the 59th Regiment. From 1937 to 1938, he taught at the Military Academy and the Military Preparatory School. In 1939, he was attached to the Northern China Area Army. Between 1939 and 1940, he was the commanding officer of the 2nd Imperial Guards Brigade. Between 1940 and 1941, he was the head of the 4th Depot Division. In 1941, he was the commander of the Japanese 51st Division. Between 1941 and 1942, he was attached to the Inspectorate-General of Military Training, then between 1942 and 1943, to the 1st Air Army Headquarters. In 1945, he was the commanding officer of the 1st Air Army, and then was promoted to the Supreme War Council.

After WW2, Crown Prince Euimin requested President Rhee Syng-man to allow him to return to Korea, but it was denied. In Nov 1963, President Park Chung-hee invited him to return. Sick from cerebral thrombosis, he lived at Nakseon Hall, Changdeok Palace in Seoul, Korea, remaining mostly in bed. He passed away in 1970 and now rests in peace at Hongyureung in Namyangju, near Seoul.

Crown Prince Euimin is the last person in Korea to hold the title of Crown Prince. His son, Yi Gu, or Prince Imperial Hoeun (posthumously), claimed the throne until his death in 2005, but did not hold the crown prince title as his father did not wield kingly powers.

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