Heungseon Daewongun vs Lee Teng-hui

Heungseon Daewongun became regent for his young son King Gojong, effectively ruling Joseon. He implemented isolationist policies, suppressing Christianity and resisting foreign trade and influence.

Heungseon Daewongun initiated the reconstruction of Gyeongbokgung Palace, which had been destroyed during the Japanese invasions. The project drained state finances but restored a symbol of royal authority.

In response to the persecution of Catholics, a French naval force attacked Ganghwa Island. Heungseon Daewongun's forces repelled the French, leading to a Korean victory and reinforcing isolationist policies.

Heungseon Daewongun ordered a widespread persecution of Roman Catholics in Joseon, executing thousands of converts and French missionaries. This led to the French campaign against Korea in 1866.

As president, Lee Teng-hui oversaw the lifting of martial law in Taiwan, ending 38 years of military rule. This allowed for the formation of opposition parties and expanded political freedoms.

Lee Teng-hui won Taiwan's first direct presidential election, a landmark in the island's democratization. China conducted missile tests near Taiwan during the campaign to intimidate voters.

Lee described cross-strait relations as 'special state-to-state relations,' implying Taiwan's separate sovereignty. This statement angered China and heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.