Gojong of Joseon was the 26th king of the Joseon Dynasty in Korea, reigning from 1863 to 1907. He was born on August 8, 1852, and became king at a young age after the death of his father, King Cheoljong. Gojong is known for his efforts to modernize Korea and strengthen its sovereignty during a time of increasing foreign influence. In 1897, Gojong declared the establishment of the Korean Empire, marking a significant shift from the Joseon Dynasty. His reign faced challenges, including conflicts with Japan, which ultimately led to the loss of Korean sovereignty and the annexation of Korea in 1910.