Princess Deongnyeong

Princess Deoknyeong (d. 15 April 1375) was a Yuan Dynasty imperial family member who became a Korean queen consort by her marriage to Chunghye of Goryeo. Following her husband's deposition in 1344, she served as regent for their only son, King Chungmok from 1344 to 1348. She was the third Goryeo queen consort who came from Yuan dynasty to Goryeo. Her personal name was Borjigin Irenchenppan.

Early life
The future Princess Deoknyeong was born in Yuan dynasty with the name Borjigin Irenchenppan as the daughter of Chopal.

Marriage
In 1330, she married Chunghye of Goryeo when he was in Yuan and they later arrived in Goryeo July of the same year. In Goryeo, the King bestowed the "Yeongyeong Palace" as her residence. Then, in 1337, she gave birth to their first son, the future king Chungmok of Goryeo and also a daughter, Princess Jangnyeong. She followed the Yuan Dynasty custom of marrying Goryeo princes into the family line.

Regency
In 1344, her husband was deposed and was succeeded by their only son. Due to her son's minority, she became his regent and guardian. At the time of her regency, she led the national army and national affairs on behalf of King Chungmok who was still only eight years old. When Chungmok died without leaving any successor, Chunghye's other son from Consort Yun ascended the throne as King Chungjeong. Although the new king's biological mother was Lady Yun, Princess Deoknyeong was still involved in political affairs as regent, which the King couldn't prevent despite his maternal clan's opposition. Knowing that Yun Si-u and Bae Jeon  formed a dominant force which caused political disturbances, Deoknyeong formally stepped down as regent in 1348. Then, in 1350, the first Japanese Invasion occurred and King Chungjeong was dethroned one year later in 1351.

Later life
Even after the appointment of King Gongmin, she was treated with great hospitality in Goryeo and become the Queen Mother. In 1367, her homeland gave her the Imperial title as Princess Jeongsunsugui and she died on 15 April 1375. Her tomb is known as "Gyeongneung Tomb".

In popular culture

 * Portrayed by Kim Yeo-jin in the 2005–2006 MBC TV series Shin Don.