Korean Kings had one primary wife, the Queen, but could also have multiple concubines.
While the reference provided mainly focuses on the nobility, it is important to understand its implications for the royal family. The reference states: "Noblemen could have only one wife and several concubines but their children born from commoner or slave concubines were considered illegitimate and denied any yangban rights." This context provides some perspective. Kings, like noblemen, had a primary wife (the Queen). However, they also commonly had concubines. Royal concubines were often ranked and held official titles within the palace. Their sons could be legitimate and potentially in line for the throne, though usually after the Queen's sons.
Here's a summary in a table:
| Type of Consort | Number | Status of Children |
|---|---|---|
| Queen | One | Legitimate heirs, primary line of succession |
| Concubines | Multiple | Legitimate heirs, secondary line of succession (depending on rank and circumstances) |
It is also worth noting that the status and rights of women decreased during certain periods in Korean history, as highlighted in the reference. This affected not only the Queen but also the concubines and their roles within the royal household.
