King Jungjong and Political Restructuring

King Jungjong ascended the throne in 1506 following a coup that deposed the tyrannical Yeonsangun. His reign focused on restoring state institutions and revitalizing Confucian education and administrative bodies. Jungjong initially supported Jo Gwang-jo's ambitious Neo-Confucian reforms to curb entrenched elite privileges, though conservative backlash ended the movement during the Gimyo Purge. Throughout his reign, Jungjong managed factional court rivalries, royal in-law interference, and external security challenges from Wokou pirate raids and northern Jurchen incursions.

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