Heonjong of Joseon, the 24th king of the Joseon Dynasty, reigned from 1834 to 1849. Born Yi Hwan to Crown Princess Jo and Crown Prince Hyomyeong, Heonjong's birth was marked by auspicious signs, including a dream involving a jade-carved tree and cranes flying around the palace. His father, Crown Prince Hyomyeong, posthumously named Munjo of Joseon, died prematurely, leaving Heonjong to inherit the throne.Ascending to the throne at the age of 7 following the death of his grandfather King Sunjo, Heonjong became the youngest monarch in Joseon history. His early reign was overseen by his grandmother, Queen Sunwon, who served as queen regent. However, even as he reached adulthood, Heonjong struggled to exercise political control over the kingdom.

The influence of the Andong Kim clan, Queen Sunwon's family, grew significantly during Heonjong's reign, particularly after the anti-Catholic Gihae persecution of 1839. The clan's dominance in court affairs overshadowed Heonjong's rule. Heonjong's reign also saw the construction of the Nakseonjae complex within Changdeok Palace, which he controversially designated for the exclusive use of his concubine, Kim Gyeong-bin. King Heonjong's reign ended with his death in 1849 at the age of 21, after ruling for 15 years. His death without an heir led to the throne passing to King Cheoljong, a distant descendant of King Yeongjo.