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The King Who Unsuccessfully Tried To Change History To Hide His Embarassing Fall Off A Horse
A Korean emperor felt great shame after a humiliating accident during a hunt, so he tried to destroy all evidence it ever occurred, but was unsuccessful due to the Veritable Records
Royal rulers in history usually had the luxury of controlling just about everything that occurred within the territory in their kingdom. However, there were cases where controls were put in place to ensure that an accurate record of what happened during their reign was recorded and left for future generations to digest. This became the bane of Korean Emperor King Taejong, who suffered an awkward fall from a horse, but because his country meticulously kept the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty, he was unable to erase the evidence of his embarrassment despite him going to lengths to assert his will.
Nothing defines the historical richness of Korea better than the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty, which are a comprehensive chronicle of the last ruling family, spanning from 1392 to 1865. These meticulously kept records offer unparalleled insights into the governing and the social and cultural dynamics of Korea during the lengthy reign. They are believed to…