고종 친정 직후 정치적 기반 형성과 그 특징(1874~1876)

A Study on Forming Political Base during the Early Years of Kojong’s Reign(1874~1876)

After restoring sovereignty, Kojong(고종) began to reform Daewongun(대원군)’s power basis and policies, maintaining Daewongun’s power collective structure with the exception of few pro-Daewongun forces and placing relatives from his maternal side and Jonchinseonpa(종친선파) members in important governmental positions of power. In addition, Kojong retained those policies that contributedto the strengthening of the royal family’s and the central government’s authority, abolished taxes established under Daewongun’s rule, and prohibited the circulation of Chinese currency to shut out Daewongun’s financial resources. However, these policies and actions by Kojong triggered resistance from Daewongun and numerous appeals for Daewongun’s return to the capital city out of his retirement in Yangju(양주), destabilizing Kojong’s political foundation during the early stages of his regime. In response, Kojong implemented strict punishment against those who submitted such appeals and even outlawed the submission itself, in an effort to stabilize his country. He also permitted the resignation of Yeonguijeong(영의정) Lee Yu-won(이유원) under questions of responsibilities over political affairs, and inaugurated Jwauijeong(좌의정) Lee Choi-eung(이최응) and Uuijeong(우의정) Kim Byeong-guk(김병국) systems. This was a move to eliminate Daewongun’s justification for his return to the political arena through the appointment of Lee Choi-eung, a royal, and simultaneously win over Noron(노론), which centered on Ahndong Kims. And Kojong’s heightened awareness of Daewongun and pro-Daewongun forces as threats ultimately led to Kojong’s intensified ruling of the nation based on a power structure surrounding close associates.