Gojong, born Yi Myŏngbok, was the penultimate monarch of Korea, reigning from 1864 to 1907. His rule marked the transition from the Joseon Dynasty to the Korean Empire, with Gojong becoming its first emperor. He ruled as the last king of Joseon until 1897 and then as Emperor until his forced abdication in 1907.

Gojong's reign coincided with a tumultuous period in Korean history, characterized by rapid changes and foreign encroachments. Initially crowned at the age of twelve in 1863, he was under the regency of his father Heungseon Daewongun and mother Sunmok Budaebuin until 1874. During this time, Korea maintained its traditional isolationist stance, in stark contrast to Japan's rapid modernization under the Meiji Restoration.

In 1876, Japan forcibly opened Korea to foreign trade, beginning a long process of bringing Korea under its influence. This period saw several significant incidents, including the 1882 Imo Incident, the 1884 Gapsin Coup, the 1894–1895 Donghak Peasant Rebellion, and the assassination of Gojong's wife, Empress Myeongseong, in 1895. These events were deeply entwined with the involvement of foreign powers.

Gojong endeavored to modernize and strengthen Korea through the Gwangmu Reform, focusing on military, industrial, and educational improvements. However, his reforms faced criticism for being insufficient, leading to tensions with groups like the Independence Club.

Following the First Sino-Japanese War (1894–1895), China lost its longstanding suzerainty over Korea. In 1897, Gojong proclaimed the establishment of the Korean Empire, declaring Korea's independence and elevating himself to emperor. This move, however, exacerbated tensions with Japan.