Assassins in the Joseon Dynasty – Palace Intrigues and the Art of Poison
When we think of royal courts, we often imagine grand palaces, royal ceremonies, and luxurious lifestyles. But behind the golden screens of the Joseon Dynasty’s palaces, there lurked shadows—spies, political plots, and yes, assassins. The Joseon era (1392–1897) was not just a time of Confucian refinement; it was also a period of intense political struggle, where power shifted not only through decrees but often through whispers and poison.
Assassinations, particularly by poison, were among the most discreet yet effective methods of eliminating rivals. These acts were not carried out by sword-wielding ninjas, but often by palace maids, doctors, or even eunuchs—individuals close to the target, armed with knowledge and precision. This article will take you deep into the world of royal assassination in the Joseon era, revealing the tools, techniques, and real historical incidents behind palace murders.
1. What Kind of Assassins Existed in Joseon?
Assassins in Joseon were not the typical mercenaries we see in modern fiction. They were often insiders—court officials, servants, or even physicians—who operated in secrecy. Many were pawns used by high-ranking officials or royal family members seeking to remove obstacles to their power. The highly hierarchical and closed-off nature of the court made it easy for such people to go unnoticed.
In rare cases, external agents like hired killers may have been used, but more commonly, those closest to the victim—such as concubines, maids, or bodyguards—were either manipulated or compelled into the role.
2. The Role of Poison in Palace Assassinations
Poison was the weapon of choice in the palace. It left little evidence, and death could be attributed to natural causes or illness. Many poisons used during Joseon were derived from herbs such as wolfsbane, belladonna, or the seeds of the castor oil plant. The toxins were often mixed into tea, rice, or medicine—things commonly consumed in daily life.
Royal physicians held the most delicate power in their hands, often preparing the very remedies that could be turned lethal with a single alteration. Some assassins even used slow-acting poisons that mimicked chronic illness, allowing them to avoid suspicion.
3. Famous Cases of Royal Poisonings
One of the most infamous suspected poisonings in Joseon history was that of Queen Inhyeon, the second wife of King Sukjong. She died under mysterious circumstances, and many historians suspect that the powerful royal consort Jang Hui-bin was involved.
Another famous case is that of Crown Prince Sado, though officially executed in a rice chest, his death was surrounded by intense political intrigue and conflicting records—some suggest that poisoning may have been used in earlier attempts to weaken or manipulate him.
4. The Silent Weapons: Herbs, Powders, and Drinks
Assassins relied on the natural world for their tools. Poisonous herbs like cheongcho (wolfsbane), hwangdok (arsenic minerals), and bangpung (hemlock) were prepared with incredible care. Dosage was everything: too much would alert suspicion, too little would be ineffective.
Drinks such as medicinal teas, rice wine, or even water could be vehicles for assassination. In some cases, powders were mixed into cosmetic products or incense—especially in the women’s quarters, where such items were used daily.
5. Who Ordered the Killings? Power Behind the Curtain
Very few assassins acted on personal motivation. In most cases, they were ordered or manipulated by someone else—usually members of the royal family or top-ranking ministers. Palace politics were brutal, and even queens and princes had to constantly guard against betrayal.
Women in the inner court, particularly powerful concubines and queen mothers, played significant roles in ordering assassinations. The palace wasn’t just a place of beauty and grace—it was a battlefield of influence and survival.
6. Assassination vs. Execution: A Thin Line
In some cases, assassination blurred into state-sanctioned execution. When a royal family member or high official became too powerful, they were sometimes quietly removed under the pretense of illness or suicide. Official records were often vague, leaving room for speculation.
Such actions were done to maintain royal dignity and avoid political backlash. In this way, Joseon used assassination not only as a tool of power but also of face-saving politics.
Q&A
Q1. Were there secret assassin guilds in Joseon like in other cultures?
A. No formal guilds are known to have existed, but there were certainly informal networks and loyal agents used by the powerful to carry out secret missions.
Q2. How did people test for poison in the Joseon era?
A. Tests were primitive—often relying on animal trials or taste tests by servants. Most poisonings went undetected unless someone confessed.
Q3. Is there any modern media about Joseon assassins?
A. Yes! Several Korean dramas like The Princess’ Man, Kingdom, and Empress Ki explore court intrigue and feature characters inspired by historical assassins.
