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The Korean Empire existed from 1897 to 1910.
In 1897, under King Gojong, the name of Korea was changed from Joseon to Daehan Jeguk, making the country an empire and Gojong its first emperor. In East Asia, the status of empire meant independence from China, and in fact the "full and complete" independence of Korea was recognized in 1895. Contrary to its title, the Korean Empire remained weak and the international community did not think it could achieve self-reliance. In 1905 Korea became a protectorate of Japan. In 1907 Japan forced Gojong to abdicate in favour of his son Sunjong, who became Korea's second and last emperor. In 1910 it was annexed by Japan with the Japan-Korea Annexation Treaty.
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