 In January 1864, King Cheoljong died without a male heir and King Gojong ascended the throne at the age of 12.However, King Gojong was too young and the new king's father, Yi Ha-ŭng, became the Daewongun or Lord of the Great Court who ruled Korea in his son's name.Originally the term Daewongun referred to any person who was not actually the king but whose son took the throne.