Deokhye, the Last Princess of the Joseon Dynasty

Princess Deokhye (1912-1989) was the daughter of King
Gojong, also known as Emperor Gwangmu, and his concubine
Lady Yang of Bongnyeongdang. It was Princess Deokhye
who brought pleasure to King Gojong during the painful time
following the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910.
As King Gojong’s only daughter, Princess Deokhye was beloved
by Koreans and received national attention. However, falling for a political scheme of the
Japaneseoccupation government, she was forced to go Japan to marry a Japanese nobleman in a
marriage of convenience. Princess Deokhye’s marriage ended in divorce upon the request of her
husband because of a mental illness she developed while suffering through life in Japan. She
finally has returned home 38 years after leaving Korea.
Princess Deokhye symbolizes the suffering of all our people and the royal family of the Korean
Empire, which lost sovereignty under the Japanese occupation regime. By courtesy of Bunka Gakuen
Costume Museum and Kyushu National Museum in Japan, Deokhye’s belongings and wedding
gifts are introduced to the public for the first time in this exhibition. These include traditional
dresses and jewelry of the Joseon dynasty brought to Japan by her to remember her home
country as well as wedding presents sent to Japan by the bride’s family. This exhibition sheds
light on the highs and lows of Princess Deokhye’s life, understanding of court replete with ups
and downs, and costume of royal women in the Joseon dynasty.

■ The Birth and Childhood of Princess Deokhye

■ Princess Deokhye Taken Hostage to Japan under the Pretense of Studying Abroad

■ Marriage and Life of the Princess Deokhye

■ Princess Deokhye’s Return to her Homeland