Korean Emperors were rulers of Korea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the Joseon Dynasty and the Korean Empire. The most notable emperor was Gojong, who declared the establishment of the Korean Empire in 1897, aiming to modernize the country and assert its independence from foreign powers. The title of emperor was used to elevate Korea's status internationally, especially in the face of encroaching influences from Japan and China. However, the empire faced significant challenges, leading to its annexation by Japan in 1910, which ended the era of Korean emperors.