Adoptive elder brother of Empress Myeongseong, brother-in-law of the Heungseon Daewongun, Minister of War; posthumous title Chungjeong
| Life | 1830 ~ 1874 |
| Era | 조선 말기 |
| Clan | 여흥 민씨 |
Min Seung-ho (1830-1874) was a late Joseon civil official from Yeoheung, with courtesy name Bokgyeong and posthumous title Chungjeong. He was the second son of Min Chi-gu, Panjang of Donnyeong-bu and Minister of Works, and Lady Jeonju Yi, and his sister Lady Yeoheung married the Heungseon Daewongun, making him Gojong's maternal uncle. He was adopted by Min Chi-rok, Empress Myeongseong's father and his eleventh-degree relative, becoming Min Yu-jung's ritual heir and thus the empress's adoptive elder brother.
He entered office by hereditary privilege in 1861, and after his sister's son Gojong took the throne in 1863 he passed the civil examination in 1864. He was rapidly promoted through Hongmungwan posts to Gyujanggak Jikgak and Vice Commissioner of the wedding office. When his adoptive sister became queen in 1866 he became Ijo Chamui, then Vice Minister of Revenue and later Minister of Punishments and of War. When Japan sent a letter requesting diplomatic relations and the Daewongun objected, he is said to have favored accepting it.
After the Daewongun fell from power in November 1874 he became head of the Min family, but on the 28th day of the 11th lunar month an unidentified monk brought a gift box, and when he opened it gunpowder exploded, killing him, his son and his adoptive mother Lady Hansan Yi of Gamgodang. A story that he pointed toward Unhyeongung before dying leads some to suspect the Daewongun, but no conclusive proof has been confirmed. Gojong gave him the title Chungjeong, and, with no heir, Min Yeong-ik, son of Min Tae-ho, was adopted as his heir.
Through his sister Lady Yeoheung he was brother-in-law of the Heungseon Daewongun, and through his adoptive father Min Chi-rok he became the adoptive elder brother of Empress Myeongseong. This double connection brought him to the center of power.
The culprit and instigator were never established; his adopted heir Min Yeong-ik later became a central figure of the in-law faction.
The location of his tomb could not be confirmed in this research.
With no heir, Min Yeong-ik, son of Min Tae-ho, was adopted as his heir.