Geun-bi Yi

The future Royal Consort Geun was born in the Goseong Yi clan in Goseong County as the daughter of Lee Rim, who was a relative of Lee In-im (이인임),[2] and Lady Hong.

In 1379, she became the consort of the 13-year-old U of Goryeo and then given title as Consort Geun (근비, 謹妃), also lived in Hudeok Mansion (후덕부, 厚德府). Since their daughter was now a Royal wife, Lee Rim then honoured as "Internal Prince Cheolseong" (철성부원군, 鐵城府院君) and his wife became "Lady of Byeonhan State" (변한국부인, 卞韓國夫人). Two felons were released from prison to mark the occasion.[3]

In September 1380, she gave birth to a prince, the future King Chang, and one felon was released to celebrate.[4] King U's third consort, Royal Consort Ui of the No clan was originally one of her maids but was promoted in 1382.[5]

In 1388, after ordering an attack on Liaodong in Ming territory, King U was forced to abdicate during a coup led by the general Yi Seong-gye.[6] His young son ascended the throne as King Chang with Yi Seong-gye as regent, and Royal Consort Geun was promoted to Grand Royal Consort (Korean: 왕대비). All of the former king's other consorts were forced to leave the palace and return to their natal homes.[7]

Little more than a year later, both King Chang and his father were demoted to commoner status with the justification that U had not actually been the son of his royal father,[2] and Gongyang of Goryeo was enthroned as the new ruler. In addition to her husband and son, Royal Consort Geun's father and brother were exiled, as well as two of her brothers-in-law, a nephew-in-law, and a nephew.[8] Late in 1389, the two former kings were killed,[2] and Royal Consort Geun's father was imprisoned in Cheongju.[9]