Gojong of Korea significant event coronation
Emperor of Korea
On 13 October 1897, yielding to rising pressure from overseas and the demands of the Independence Association-led public opinion, King Gojong returned to Gyeongungung (modern-day Deoksugung). He declared himself emperor, changed the country's name to the Great Korean Empire, and declared a new era name Gwangmu (Hangul: 광무, Hanja: 光武) (meaning, "shining and martial"). This effectively ended Korea's historic subordination to the Qing empire, which Korea had acknowledged since the fall of the Ming Dynasty. He took the title of Gwangmu Emperor, and was formally crowned emperor in Wongudan. He changed the name of country to Great Han. On the same day, Gojong appointed the Crown Prince as Imperial Crown Prince. Proclamation of the empire brought conflict against the Qing dynasty, which used to be the only imperial state of East Asia. This conflict was resolved by not mentioning the title of the two emperors.When the Daewongun died in 1898, Emperor Gwangmu refused to attend the funeral of his father as the relationship between father and son had broken down irretrievably. But it was also reported that the emperor's cries could be heard when he looked over the palace wall. On 17 August 1899, Gojong proclaimed the Great-han declaration law. This law gave absolute power to Gojong.
Even though Gojong had absolute power, he did not despise Constitutional monarchy. He promised with members of the Independence Club that he would perform reforms. However, these reforms were not carried out quickly, which angered members of the Independence Club. While, the conservative politicians spread rumors that the Independence Club is trying to abolish the empire and proclaim a republic, which in turn led Gojong to abolish the Independence Club.
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