Empress Myeongseong
Min Yeong-chan was born on 3 December 1873 into the Yeoheung Min clan to Min Gyeom-ho and Lady Seo. He was the younger brother of Min Yeong-hwan, and the adoptive nephew of Empress Myeongseong, wife of King Gojong (Empress Myeongseong being the adoptive younger sister of Min Seung-ho; his father's older brother). The Min clan rose to great prominence and power with its royal alliance. As such, Min Yeong-chan received the best education studying alongside the future Emperor Sunjong.