King Sinjong of Goryeo was the 20th king of the Korean Goryeo Dynasty. He ruled from 1197 to 1204. Fifth son of king Injong , Sinjong took the throne after his brother King Myeongjong was sent into exile by Choi Chungheon (최충헌). He was wise, but like his brother before him had no true power, which was in the hands of Choi Chungheon (this marked the beginning of the Choi family military rule). King Sinjong also witnessed the kin strife of the Choi family and soon after became ill, abdicating* in favor of his son Huijong.
*It is said that he begged Choi Chungheon to allow his son to rule and not destroy the Goryeo dynasty.
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