After King Sukjong's death in 1720, his son Yi Yun, known as Crown Prince Hwiso, ascended the throne as King Gyeongjong at the age of 31. During this period, the absence of a historiographer or recorder at King Sukjong's deathbed led to suspicions and factional conflicts between the Soron and Noron factions. King Gyeongjong's reign was plagued by ill health, which limited his ability to effectively govern. The Noron faction, recognizing his frailty, pressured for the appointment of his half-brother, Prince Yeoning (later King Yeongjo), as Crown Prince to manage state affairs. This appointment occurred just two months into Gyeongjong's reign in 1720.

There were allegations that Gyeongjong's health issues were due to an injury inflicted by his mother, Lady Jang, who was executed by poisoning in 1701. It was rumored that she had accidentally harmed Gyeongjong, leaving him sterile and unable to produce an heir. Gyeongjong's reign was further destabilized by intense factional power struggles, leading to significant political purges known as the Shinimsahwa. The Soron faction, which supported Gyeongjong, used the situation to their advantage, accusing the Noron faction of attempting a coup. This resulted in the removal of Noron members from office and the execution of several of their leaders.

Two major massacres marked Gyeongjong's reign: the Sinchuk-oksa and the Imin-oksa, collectively referred to as Sinim-sahwa. These incidents involved the Soron faction purging the Noron faction, who advocated for Prince Yeoning's involvement in state affairs due to Gyeongjong's health issues.

During his reign, King Gyeongjong initiated some reforms, such as the creation of small firearms modeled after Western weapons and reforms in land measurement in the southern regions of the country. King Gyeongjong's death in 1724 led to further speculation and controversy. Some members of the Soron faction suspected Prince Yeoning (Yeongjo) of being involved in Gyeongjong's death, considering the Norons' earlier attempts to elevate Yeoning to the throne.