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[Photo] Joseon dynasty last prince’s grave opened

The tomb of Youngchin (1897-1970), the last Crown Prince of the Lee dynasty, in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province. In 1907 Youngchin was designated as the successor to throne held by his brother Soon Jong. But shortly after that designated, when Japan annexed Korea, Youngchin was forced to relocate to Japan and marry a Japanese woman. He returned to Korea in 1963. His wife Lee Bang-ja (Masako in Japanese) was a member of the Japanese royal family. After her death in 1989, she was buried with him in his grave.

 

The tomb has now been opened to the public for the first time in 45 years. (provided by the Cultural Heritage Administration)

From left, Prince Youngchin, (third son of Emperor Gojong), Emperor Sunjong, Emperor Gojong; Princess Deokhye (the only daughter of Emperor Gojong)

Prince Youngchin's couple

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