Hero of South Korea....

Empress Myeongseong

Also known as Queen Min, Empress Myeongseong was the last reigning empress of Korea renowned for her contributions in the history of the nation. Empress Myeongseong was born in Seoul on 19 October, 1851. She is remembered for her effort in preventing Korea from foreign influence, especially Japan, during her reign.

Myeongseong's introduction of Western ideas and technology such as automobiles, trains, telephones, and electric lights were highly applauded. She was considered by many Japanese as a barrier in their ambitions of gaining total power and control over Korea.

In 1895, three women suspected of being the queen, were raped and slaughtered by hired assassins. Later, Empress Myeongseong was found by the assassins, who raped, dishonored and burnt her body. Her husband, Emperor Gojong awarded his wife the title "Myeongseong" and enshrined her as the first empress to be sanctified in Jongmyo, the state shrine of Korea. Today Empress Myeongseong is remembered for her courage and sacrifice and can be called a National hero of South Korea