South Korea is a republic with an elected head of state, and therefore, there is no current "princess" in the traditional sense of royalty holding a position within the government or as part of a reigning monarchy.
Historically, however, Korea was a monarchy for centuries, most recently as the Joseon Dynasty and later the Korean Empire. During these periods, there were princesses as members of the imperial or royal family.
One notable historical figure referenced is Princess Deokhye (덕혜옹주). She was the daughter of Emperor Gojong, the penultimate monarch of the Joseon Dynasty and the first emperor of the Korean Empire.
Princess Deokhye: A Historical Figure
Princess Deokhye was the last princess of the Korean Empire. Born in 1912, her life was significantly impacted by Japan's annexation of Korea in 1910. She was forced to move to Japan for her education and later married a Japanese nobleman. Her life was marked by personal struggles and the tragic history of Korea during that period.
Here is a summary of her family details from the provided reference:
| Father | Gojong of Korea |
| Mother | Imperial Consort |
| Korean name | |
| Hangul | 덕혜옹주 |
- Gojong of Korea: Her father, Gojong, was a pivotal figure in late 19th and early 20th-century Korean history, overseeing the transition from kingdom to empire amidst increasing foreign influence.
- Imperial Consort Boknyeong Gwi-in: Her mother was one of Emperor Gojong's consorts.
While Princess Deokhye passed away in 1989, she remains a significant figure in Korean history, symbolizing the end of the monarchy and the hardships faced by the royal family during the colonial era and subsequent division of the peninsula.
Today, descendants of the imperial family exist, but they hold no official titles or political roles in modern South Korea. Therefore, when speaking of a "princess" in the context of South Korea, one is referring to historical figures like Princess Deokhye rather than a current member of royalty.
