This thesis considers the 'Chujon' process of Deokjong and its significance. Through 'Chujon,' Seongjong could set up the ancestral tablet of his biological father at Jongmyo Shrine, who was called 'Ui-Gyeong Seja' before and now called Deokjong.
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This thesis considers the 'Chujon' process of Deokjong and its significance. Through 'Chujon,' Seongjong could set up the ancestral tablet of his biological father at Jongmyo Shrine, who was called 'Ui-Gyeong Seja' before and now called Deokjong.
Seongjong was the first king in Joseon whose father didn't sit on the throne(Ipseungdaetong, 入承大統). It obscured the rule of royal succession from father to son. So the man who became a king from collateral branches had to confer a title of king on his biological father to solve this problem. 'Chujon' is a kind of political action contains specific intention, to obtain one's royal authority.
'Chujon' of Deokjong was executed in the early years of Seongjong's reign when Queen Jeonghui ruled as regent(sooryeomcheongjeong, regency behind the veil). It contains some steps of discussion; 'Chujon' at the local level, international recognition and setting ancestral tablet up at Jongmyo Shrine.
The first step was a 'Chujon' at the local level. After considerable debate, Seongjong's biological father, 'Ui-Gyeong Seja' was raised on 'Ui-Gyeong Wang.' In the light of clan rules(Jongbeop), their relationship was redefined as uncle and nephew.
The Second step was international recognition. Madam Han, the concubine of Xuande Emperor(Seondeok Emperor) at Ming first raised this issue. She is a maternal relative of Seongjong, so it means 'Chujon' is a staple way to establish prestige of King and his biological mother, Queen Insoo. Some of his subjects opposed it, but he fulfilled under the approval of Shin Suk-Ju, an authority of the time. Ui-Gyeong Wang's posthumous name is 'Hoegan'.
The Third step was setting ancestral tablet up at Jongmyo Shrine(Bumyo, 祔廟). Despite the opposition, Seongjong push ahead with it. With the support of Queen Jeonghui, he honored his father as a Deokjong and enshrined him at Jongmyo.
There are three meaning in 'Chujon' of Deokjong. One, it becomes a precedent for posterior kings. Another, it strengthens royal authority reinforcing the power of Seongjong and Queen Insoo. In connection with it, the fact that enshrinement at Jongmyo and stepping down of Queen Jeonghui happened at the same time has the significant implication. The other, It shows a general tendency about ritual. When considering the result, this event indicates that there is no fierce confrontation on formality in early Joseon.