Historical Cases Similar to the Challenges Faced by Presidents Over First Ladies’ Controversies

 

President Yoon Seok-yeol and First Lady Kim Keon-hee: A Struggling Administration

Yoon Seok-yeol is the 20th president of South Korea, elected with strong public support for his stance against powerful political adversaries. However, since taking office, controversies involving his wife, First Lady Kim Keon-hee, have consistently overshadowed his administration, causing him to lose public favor. Kim has been implicated in various issues, including allegations of insider stock trading, meddling in National Assembly candidate selections, and receiving luxury gifts. These controversies have weakened Yoon's support base even within his own party. The party leader, Han Dong-hoon, previously a close ally, has also begun to distance himself from Yoon, clashing with him over these issues. President Yoon’s approval ratings are now languishing at around 20%, making this a challenging time for his leadership. This political situation echoes historical examples where rulers faced turmoil due to their spouses’ actions.

(Left) First Lady Kim Keon-hee, (Right) President Yoon Seok-yeol. Source: Dailian

King Chungryeol of Goryeo and the Overbearing Imperial Princess

King Chungryeol, the 25th monarch of the Goryeo Dynasty, became a prince-in-law of the Yuan Dynasty (Mongol Empire) after Goryeo’s defeat and submission to Mongol forces. To maintain influence over Goryeo, the Yuan Dynasty arranged for King Chungryeol to marry the daughter of Emperor Kublai Khan. Thus, Goryeo became a vassal state, adopting Mongolian customs and political structures. The Imperial Princess exerted significant control over the Goryeo court, often backed by her father’s authority. On one occasion, as they traveled to the Cheonhyosa Temple, the princess abruptly ordered their return, forcing the king to comply. When he hesitated, she struck him with her cane. Later, when the king entered the temple without waiting for her, she berated and slapped him. Although King Chungryeol's marriage to the princess secured his throne, his relationship with her was strained and stressful, as he constantly had to navigate her demands.

 

 

King Chungryeol and the Imperial Princess

Emperor Gaozong of Tang: Attempting to Depose Empress Wu

Emperor Gaozong of Tang, the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty, ruled effectively, enacting various policies alongside prominent ministers. However, his poor health led him to entrust his wife, Empress Wu Zetian, with increasing political responsibilities, granting her significant power. Acting as Gaozong’s representative, Empress Wu soon wielded authority almost as if she were emperor. Gaozong, alarmed by her interference, attempted to depose her, urged by ministers concerned about her influence. However, the empress discovered his intentions, prompting Gaozong to shift blame onto his officials. While she seemed to recede from the spotlight temporarily, Wu Zetian resumed her role as Gaozong’s health continued to decline, and eventually declared herself the ruler. She went on to become China’s first and only female emperor, ruling the Tang Dynasty directly.

(Left) Empress Wu Zetian, (Right) Emperor Gaozong of Tang

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