# Gongmin is assassinated (1374)

URL: https://allhistories.com/south-korea/timeline/1374-gongmin-is-assassinated
Location: Kaesong, Goryeo
Themes: Politics

In the autumn of 1374 King Gongmin was assassinated in his palace by members of his personal guard and eunuchs. The powerful minister Yi In-im then placed the young prince U, reputedly Gongmin's son by a servant of Sin Don's household, on the throne. In his later years Gongmin had withdrawn into grief after the death of Princess Noguk, and his rule had become erratic. His death ended the reform era and restored power to aristocratic officials who favored reconciliation with the declining Northern Yuan. Later critics, especially those who founded Joseon, claimed that U was actually Sin Don's son, casting doubt on his legitimacy. This accusation was used to justify his deposition in 1388. Gongmin's murder ended the last major royal reform of Goryeo and deepened the dynasty's decline.

## Why it matters
The murder ended Goryeo's last royal reform program.

Ruler at the Time: [Gongmin of Goryeo](https://allhistories.com/south-korea/rulers/gongmin-of-goryeo)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia — Gongmin of Goryeo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gongmin_of_Goryeo)
- [Wikipedia — U of Goryeo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U_of_Goryeo)
- [Wikipedia — Sin Ton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin_Ton)
- [Wikipedia — Goryeo (period overview)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goryeo)