Yeongjo Yi Mang was a Korean sovereign in the 18th century, contemporaneous with Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty. Similar to Qianlong, he held the record as one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Korean history, spanning a remarkable 53 years. Although the era under his rule in North Korea was relatively prosperous, it was also during his reign that a gruesome and extraordinary enigma unfolded within the royal family, offering a glimpse into the concealed shadows of the palace. Si Mou, the progeny of Yeongjo, was bestowed upon him following the untimely demise of his previous offspring. At the age of 42, Yeongjo was elated to welcome another son into…