Korean monarchy officially ended in 1911 after Korea was annexed by Japan as the empire of Japan. Many monarch families ended up marrying Japanese royalties or aristocrats, and some of them still exist in Japan as royal members of Japan. Those who still left in Korea suffered political oppression from Republic of Korean government, and even in North Korea there are some royal members still alive as well, but they’re just citizens of North Korea. The only members that still proclaim the title of the ex-ruling clan of Korea are still in South Korea, but they have to make a living as their family assets were seized as national assets of Korea.

The royals may have kept their personal dignity, but they lost their dignity and rights as the leaders of this country. To some, Joseon dynasty was the dark age of Korean history, and today’s glory has nothing to do with the royal family. Modern Korea is solely built by its people where everyone is equal.

We are proud of our heritage, which includes the invention of the Korean alphabet during the Chosen Dynasty. Historical dramas about romance and bloody coups at the ancient royal court are a TV staple. At the old royal palaces in Seoul, tourists watch a changing of the royal guard and court music performances. However, a few in South Korea know the names or whereabouts of relatives of the Chosen Dynasty’s last king. This is an important cultural heritage and a symbol of Korea we must educate and preserve.

The world has a great interest in South Korean history, culture, cuisine, and people. South Korea has had such a tragic past and then been ripped apart and abused from 1910-45 to suffer such oppression with no regard for what this nation has had to endure!! It’s time for it to be healed from these atrocities and openly establish and set the royal family back into its rightful place.

This is a story of a prince who lived in the shadows of his royal name for most of his existence…

Written and Directed by:
Christopher HK Lee