She had one younger brother, Hong Eung, Internal Prince Ikseong (홍응 익성 부원군), who was a member of the State Council of Joseon.[3]
Life as Royal Concubine
In 1431 (13th year of King Sejong's reign), when Munjong was still a Crown Prince, Lady Hong was officially chosen as his concubine along with Lady Gwon (posthumously honoured as Queen Hyeondeok), the eldest daughter of Gwon Jeon (권전), and Lady Jeong (later known as Royal Consort So-yong), the daughter of Jeong Gap-son (정갑손).[4] Their fathers received rice and beans as a reward.[5]
Because the three of them came from noble families, they were officially honoured as Seung-hwi (junior fourth rank concubine of the Crown Prince; 승휘, 承徽). On March 15, they entered the palace together.[6]
Despite Lady Hong being close with Munjong at the time when Crown Princess Bong was deposed, her father-in-law, King Sejong, chose Lady Gwon Yang-won (양원 권씨) to become the new Crown Princess, because she already gave birth to a daughter, Princess Gyeonghye, and held the higher rank. Munjong followed his father's wish.
Meanwhile, Lady Hong gave birth to a princess in 1441, but the daughter died at the age of 4, on December 4, 1444.[7]
After Munjong ascended the throne, she was promoted to Gwi-in (junior first rank concubine of the King; 귀인, 貴人), and given the authority to become the leader the Inner Court since the Queen's seat was empty.
On August 7, 1452, a few months after Danjong succeeded his father, Lady Hong was honoured as Bin (senior first rank concubine of the King; 빈, 嬪), with the prefix Suk (肅), meaning "respectful".[8][9]
She moved into Grand Prince Anpyeong's house and stepped down from her position as leader of the Inner Court when her step-son married Queen Jeongsun.
Later life
There are no records left about the date of her death or where her tomb is located.
