King Sukjong's reign in Joseon, spanning from 1674 to 1720, was marked by intense political strife between the Southern and Western factions, as well as significant reforms and cultural developments. In 1680, the Gyeongsin hwanguk saw the Southern faction leaders Heo Jeok and Yun Hyu accused of treason by the Western faction, leading to their execution and the faction's purge. The Western faction then split into the Noron (Old Learning) and Soron (New Learning) factions. A significant shift occurred when Sukjong deposed Queen Min (Queen Inhyeon) in favor of Consort Jang Hui-bin, sparking the Gisa Hwanguk incident. The Southern faction, backing Consort Jang and her son, regained power and executed key Western faction figures, including Song Si-yeol. In 1694, during the Gapsul Hwanguk incident, he shifted support back to the Western faction, demoting Consort Jang and reinstating Queen Min. Consort Jang was later executed. The struggle for the crown prince position between the Soron-backed Yi Yun (Consort Jang's son) and the Noron-supported Prince Yeoning (later Yeongjo of Joseon) continued.

Sukjong's reign saw notable administrative and economic reforms, including tax reform and a new currency system, promoting social mobility and regional development. In 1712, his government collaborated with Qing China to define the Joseon-Qing border along the Yalu and Tumen Rivers. He also fostered agricultural and cultural growth.

The question of succession remained unresolved at his death in 1720. Despite the absence of official records, it's believed that Sukjong named Prince Yeoning as Gyeongjong of Joseon's heir. This led to further factional purges in the following years. Sukjong's reign ended after 46 years. His era, despite marked by political turbulence, contributed significantly to Joseon's administrative and cultural landscape.